Results 6,861-6,880 of 50,151 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Departmental Expenditure. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: In previous replies to the Deputy, I indicated we were considering the configuration of our presence across the world to achieve optimal results from existing resources. For example we closed the mission in Wales and opened a new embassy in Abu Dhabi. We are actively considering a different type of representation model in some of our smaller European states for example, where there is a...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together. The position of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps is a ceremonial position of precedence. The dean serves as spokesperson for the Diplomatic Corps on formal occasions and may be asked by the Diplomatic Corps to act as its representative in matters which concern the corps as a whole. The longstanding practice whereby the Papal Nuncio assumes the...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: This is a relationship between states. The meeting with the Secretary General was at the request of the papal nuncio and was clearly in his capacity as representative of the state of the Vatican. At the time, I was in Athens at the OSCE meeting. The request for a meeting with me was in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs. I take the point made by the Deputy that the papal nuncio...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: The core of the issue is the necessity of a substantive response to the inquiries of any independent commission or tribunal. We must reflect on that. Diplomatic channels do not of themselves undermine, in any shape or form, the independence of any inquiry. Any documentation that comes via diplomatic channels is sealed and there is no access by the State to the materials contained within....

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: I will clarify a number of points. At the time the Department did communicate to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Vatican's position that it wanted to deal with the queries from the commission via diplomatic channels. The message was conveyed to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform which, in turn, conveyed it to the commission of inquiry. It was the...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: In response to Deputy Higgins, when the first Papal Nuncio was appointed to the State, in 1930, he automatically assumed the position of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. There is no sense of a demand within the diplomatic corps for any change whatsoever. One would have to go through a rotational system, or whatever, and it might even cause more problems than one would wish. We have not always...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: Nor is the Deputy suggesting that, either, I would say. However, the Deputy's other key point is fundamental in terms of the relationship, and that goes to the core of the overall question as well, in the sense that a state to state relationship exists in terms of my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs and that of the Vatican. I have read the report and it is very strong on the canon law...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: I have made these points, and of course we are awaiting a substantive response.

Middle East Peace Process. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: As Deputies will be aware, I have paid particular attention to the worsening conditions in Gaza, even before the conflict at the beginning of this year. I have stressed the humanitarian needs of the population there, and the urgent necessity to end the blockade and open the border crossings, not only to unrestricted humanitarian aid, but also to reconstruction materials and ordinary...

Middle East Peace Process. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Israeli authorities have made clear that they are refusing all political level visits to Gaza at this time. Supposed security considerations have also been cited. This is a matter of deep disappointment and concern to me. It is still my intention to make such a visit and I would hope to be given a positive response when I make such a request in future. My understanding is that a...

Middle East Peace Process. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: I welcome the Deputy's comments and believe we are broadly at one on the issue. I will be pursuing this further. We were of assistance to the previous delegations mentioned by the Deputy in terms of our embassy there and so on, in facilitating the entry to Gaza of people such as Gerry Adams and, indeed, Deputy Kenny and others. I have written to the incoming Spanish Presidency and the...

Middle East Peace Process. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: ------the inability to rebuild Gaza because of the unacceptable blockade. That is what is at issue here. France's Foreign Minister, Mr. Bernard Kouchner, has been refused entry and he is still trying to pursue it. We are not doing this to be provocative. We are doing it, in essence, to draw attention to the plight of Gaza as well as to see at first hand what is happening on the ground...

Middle East Peace Process. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: Many statements have been made, but it is interesting that an article in the Jerusalem Post reported that prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu's Government has an undeclared, but de facto, policy of not letting senior political figures, such as foreign ministers, enter the Gaza strip from Israel. That would appear to be the position. I gave the Deputy both reasons, one of which is Israel's...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: It was a great privilege and a joy to announce the release on 11 November of Fr. Michael Sinnott after 32 days in captivity. His release was the result of an intense diplomatic effort by the Irish and Philippine Governments, working through the mechanisms of the Mindanao peace process. No ransom was paid to secure Fr. Sinnott's release nor was there any use of force. This was a victory for...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: I support the Deputies' remarks. I have already stated in public that the performance of our public servants, particularly Ambassador O'Brien, demonstrated public service at its best.

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: That should be articulated clearly. Ambassador O'Brien and Mr. Robert Hull went to extraordinary lengths, as did our ambassador in Kuala Lumpur. One gets some sense of the network of people involved. One might ask why there is such a network in Malaysia but that is where the Mindanao peace process was being brokered. That peace process was central to the release of Fr. Sinnott. At times...

Diplomatic Representation. (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: The US Government was of great assistance to us and has been on an ongoing basis in respect of such issues. I refer in particular to the case of Fr. Michael Sinnott. Secretary of State Clinton was particularly helpful. I have written to her thanking her for her interest in this case and for the help and assistance of her Government. I have written to quite a few Governments to thank them...

Written Answers — EU Treaties: EU Treaties (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: I welcome this report which contains a series of recommendations designed to enable the Houses to exercise their new powers under the Lisbon Treaty. I was happy to support the motion approved last week by this House which gives effect to a number of these recommendations. I am glad that arrangements are now in place which correspond to the powers laid out in S. 7 of the European Union Act...

Written Answers — Seabed Sovereignty: Seabed Sovereignty (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: The United Nations Law of the Sea Convention permits each state with a coast to claim a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles from its coastline, subject to the right of neighbouring coastal states. Beyond the 200 mile limit, continental shelf rights may be claimed only in accordance with rules set out in the Convention. Ireland claims continental shelf extending beyond the standard 200...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (15 Dec 2009)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 67 and 76 together. President Rajapakse has announced that elections will be held on 26 January 2010, two years ahead of schedule. Candidatures are being accepted up until 17 December. At the moment, the front-runners are considered to be President Rajapakse himself and former General and Chief of Staff, Saratha Fonseca, who played a major role in the...