Results 681-700 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (30 Mar 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 41: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the significant number of flights that arrive at both Cork and Shannon Airports at times when there are no customs officers on duty; if, in view of continuing concerns regarding the drugs problem and particularly the smuggling of cocaine, the Revenue Commissioners will be asked to ensure cover at all times that...

Foreign Conflicts. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 41: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Iraq is experiencing, or is on course to experience, a civil war, in view of the ongoing attacks and reprisals between Shia and Sunni Islam groups; if this matter was discussed in talks over the St. Patrick's Day period between his officials and officials representing the US Administration; if initiatives have emanated...

Foreign Conflicts. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: It is important to recognise that those funds that have gone missing, have done so at the level of the banking system. In the oil for food programme, it was not the persons who were distributing the food in Iraq that were involved in fraud but those contracted to supply the food. It is the same on the construction side. Again, international trading companies defrauded the most vulnerable of...

Foreign Conflicts. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: There has been a failure to form a government three months after the elections. Will the Minister agree that the talks between US representatives and Iran on constructing a Shi'ite consensus is working in the opposite direction to the stated position of the EU, which is in favour of a unitary state even with federal arrangements? Is it the view of the European Union that a religiously or...

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 38: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the results of the parliamentary elections in Israel; the implications which this result holds for the roadmap for peace; the mandate he feels that the incoming Government has been granted with regard to the future of Israeli and Palestinian negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13169/06]

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I find one part of that answer truly extraordinary. I understand that Prime Minister Olmert is, in fact, speaking about a unilateral extension of the borders of Jerusalem further into the occupied area, east through the Jordan valley. It has nothing whatever to do with the Quartet or the roadmap for peace. What Mr. Olmert has announced is in flat rejection of what were called the Quartet's...

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: New realities are further illegal settlements. By accepting this language and these terms from Israel, the EU is undermining international humanitarian and human rights law. For the life of me, therefore, I cannot see how the EU is being of any assistance at all by accepting an alternative that has at its centre further illegal settlements in breach of international law and in flagrant breach...

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I have no difficulty with the Minister's statements on Hamas. However, while Israel has been in breach of human rights law and international humanitarian law, the decision of the European Union to enter into technical arrangements on customs co-operation and make an informal arrangement on research was a reward for breaking Article 2 of the basic agreement between Israel and the European...

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: A total of 100 or 120 Deputies are in favour of——

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: We have not dictated very much.

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I do not suggest breaking off.

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I do not suggest that.

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I stated the human rights conditions in the treaty should be exercised. There is no evidence the Minister is doing so.

Middle East Peace Process. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I have. There is no evidence the Minister is succeeding in any pressure.

Emigrant Issues. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: We got on very well there last week. We made real progress on behalf of the 11 million people.

Emigrant Issues. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: He did not do too badly.

Common Foreign and Security Policy. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: I will be brief. Does the Minister still agree that the title of the group is unfortunate? I understand he made this point originally. If such groups had been called human rights protection groups, which would reflect the move away from humanitarian intervention and towards humanitarian protection in UN thinking, it would provide an entirely different view. Is it not the case that different...

Foreign Conflicts. (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: We have discussed some of these issues through other Priority Questions but I will put them to the Minister as follows: The current head of security of the interim Iraqi Government suggests that it is in charge of approximately 30% of the country. More than 80% of all people polled in Iraq are in agreement that it would be the best outcome if foreign occupational forces left the country. At...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 273: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he and his Department intend holding at either a national or European level with the incoming Israeli Government with a view to contributing towards ongoing progress for the roadmap for peace. [13170/06]

Written Answers — International Sporting Events: International Sporting Events (4 Apr 2006)

Michael D Higgins: Question 277: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has an arrangement with the Irish Cricket Union which entitles the Irish cricket team to play international fixtures in their own home ground displaying the flag of the visiting state but not the flag of the Irish Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12842/06]