Results 721-740 of 3,523 for speaker:Lucinda Creighton

Written Answers — Coastal Protection: Coastal Protection (22 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Question 572: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the make up and membership of the Dublin Bay Task Force was decided; if he appointed the members of the Dublin Bay Task Force directly; the way the chair of the Dublin Bay Task Force was appointed; and the term of office for the membership of this task force. [15215/09]

Written Answers — Coastal Protection: Coastal Protection (22 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Question 573: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will begin drawing up the necessary legislation to enable a Dublin Bay plan and integrated coastal zone management plan to be put in place for Dublin Bay; and when he will provide an opinion on the recommendation for such a management structure made to him by the Dublin Bay Task Force in December...

Overseas Development Aid. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Question 1: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the areas of the overseas aid budget that will be reduced as a result of the cuts of €255 million in funding announced over the past nine months; the amount of the reduction in each of the affected areas of the budget; when those in the affected areas will be informed of the nature of the reductions in their areas; and if he will make a...

Overseas Development Aid. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: It is somewhat misleading to state that a cut of €255 million in the aid budget over a period of 12 months reflects the core values of this country. It does not in any way reflect our core values. We have a commitment under the millennium development goals, as the Minister is aware, of achieving a 0.7% of GDP target by 2012. Our GDP has fallen by 8% in the past year but our aid budget...

Overseas Development Aid. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: A question is coming. This is a very easy target and one that does not have electoral implications for the Government because it does not directly hit voters. That is an obvious point.

Overseas Development Aid. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: I want to ask the Minister a specific question. We still do not have clarity and all the aid agencies are completely confused as to how their budgets will be affected and what specific programmes will be affected. They need clarity because they cannot plan. We have a targeted and professional system in how our agencies give assistance through various programmes and they cannot plan or...

Overseas Development Aid. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: While we can argue over the figures, the reality is that there has been a 20% cut, which does not reflect the drop in GNP. The NGOs, including Trócaire and GOAL are all reeling in confusion. They cannot plan because they do not know which programmes will be cut. If the Minister could clarify that, it would be very beneficial for them.

Territorial Waters. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Question 3: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he will lodge a claim with the United Nations for an extension in the State's share of the continental shelf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15996/09]

Territorial Waters. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: The Rockall dispute in particular is of significant importance for the country because potential lucrative and valuable oil and gas reserves may well be available for exploration in the future. What is being done at Government level to fight for and make the case for Ireland at UN level in this regard? It is reasonably widely accepted that the Irish case is stronger than that of Iceland or...

Territorial Waters. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: I am aware of that.

Territorial Waters. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: The Department got its submission in at the 11th hour.

Territorial Waters. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: What is the timeframe for that? How long does the Minister anticipate it will take?

Territorial Waters. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: This is the key issue of the three.

EU-US Relations. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Question 4: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposal of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee for a transatlantic political council and joint parliamentary committee to put EU-US relations on an institutional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16048/09]

EU-US Relations. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: We cannot underestimate the significance of EU-US partnership, which was clearly damaged throughout the course of the most recent US Administration. That eight-year period saw significant difficulties in the traditionally co-operative EU-US approach to many aspects of foreign affairs. Given our opportunity with the new US Administration, it is essential we get that relationship back on...

EU-US Relations. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Leadership by the European Council is necessary. Will the Minister comment in this regard? A new institutional framework must be pioneered by the European Council and member states.

EU-US Relations. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: I do not dispute that. Ireland, as one of only two English-speaking EU member states, has an opportunity to be the pioneer. I do not know whether the Minister has considered Fine Gael's 2004 proposal of a transatlantic foundation based in Shannon. There would be an added bonus for Ireland and new economic activity, but it would also strengthen Ireland's role as the United States of...

EU-US Relations. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: We could be more proactive.

EU-US Relations. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Not enough.

Diplomatic Representation. (23 Apr 2009)

Lucinda Creighton: Question 5: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the EU's diplomatic relationship with Israel and Gaza; if plans for an EU-Israel summit will go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14624/09]