Results 7,661-7,680 of 50,213 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Irish United Nations Association (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: It is the underlying rationale. However, we encourage support for UN objectives, particularly in terms of increasing awareness in Ireland of the UN's work. I am available to receive any proposal that comes my way and I will discuss the Deputy's points with my people.

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: On 2 July, 59,452 applications were in the system, representing a reduction of more than 8,500 applications in the backlog since the middle of June. I am conscious that the level of passport applications in the system remains excessively high. However, one contributory factor is the exceptional demand for passports this year. To date, passport demand is running at 13.8% higher than this...

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: It is down to DNA.

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Many of the Deputy's questions were answered by my original reply. We have recruited the additional 50 staff. The passport service receives approximately 2,900 applications per day. However, I stated that passport demand is running at 13.8% higher than it was at this time in 2009. The main reason for this is the publicity around the delay owing to industrial action. Many people decided...

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: In view of the back-logs being dealt with, I expect things to return to more normal patterns in due course. The advent of overtime and the recruitment of additional temporary staff has had a positive impact because the number of passports being issued per day now is in the region of 3,200, which is considerable. The Deputy made reference to people queuing up and so on. We are saying,...

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: In terms of the extension of the service this is subject to capital funding, and funding generally but I indicated on the last occasion that priority would be given to the north west because of the Northern Ireland demand and so on. I do not envisage anything beyond that in the medium term. Prior to the difficulties we have had, the passport service was working very well, the turnaround...

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Questions Nos. 27 and 30 were taken together.

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Garda and the passport service are investigating the allegations that were raised in a US court. What we have is an allegation and we have to establish the veracity of that assertion. We are not at that stage yet. We have not had access to much of the material because obviously it may be used in the court case. This will involve liaising with the US authorities, and following up with...

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: In terms of the flow of information, in the Dubai case when our ambassador went to the Dubai authorities, significant details were provided in terms of numbers and so on. Before one sees anybody one needs to establish the veracity of the assertion being made. We must also be mindful that in the US jurisdiction, as we speak, a court case is ongoing, and we have to be very careful.

Passport Applications (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Equally, there is a report that a British passport was used but I do not know whether that is the case.

European Council (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The European Council at its meeting in June adopted the European strategy for jobs and growth, Europe 2020. This includes EU headline targets in the five areas of employment, research and development, climate change, education and social inclusion. The targets represent shared objectives covering the action of the member States and the Union. Some, notably those on greenhouse gas emissions,...

European Council (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I would not favour financial fines for member states which do not reach their Europe 2020 targets. A different situation, however, pertains to financial governance and membership of the euro. I accept there is a need for measures to ensure compliance in this regard.

European Council (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The difference between the Europe 2020 and the Lisbon strategies is that the former is more sharply focussed with its narrowing down to five key objectives, namely employment, research and development, climate change, education and social inclusion. Not all of the Lisbon strategy was poor but much of it depended on the adherence to it by member states. The fact that Ireland has a 46%...

European Council (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I understand and see the merit in the Deputy's argument about integration but I am not sure one could achieve a Europe 2020 strategy if one followed that course of action.

European Council (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: No, the point is that one cannot divorce the obligations of member states under the Stability and Growth Pact and Europe 2020. The strategy tells member states the core areas of economic development on which they should be focussing as a priority. Member states do not want Europe telling them how to develop every single policy area in, say, health or education. Historically, the control of...

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 33, 64, 75, 88, 384 and 397, together. I reported to the House on 1 June 2010 on my reaction to the events of 31 May 2010 involving the killing of nine Turkish citizens on board the MV Mavi Marmara. This vessel was part of an international flotilla heading for Gaza. The Government at its meeting that morning condemned the killings and expressed its...

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The meeting I had with the ambassador was specifically about the flotilla. I had earlier meetings, as the Deputy knows, with regard to the issue of Irish passports being used in an assassination in Dubai. I reported that to the House and there was considerable debate about it. I have had frequent discussions with the Israeli ambassador over the last number of months on different but...

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy and I are of similar mind in terms of what needs to happen with regard to the blockade. There was an interesting article in the International Herald Tribune yesterday which pointed out some obvious consequences of the blockade, that is, the complete destruction of the private sector in Gaza-----

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: -----and its semi-replacement by business elements under the control of Hamas.

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: It defies any logic. People who had a long history of trade with Israel were completely undermined. There is a prospect of developing employment again in Gaza if the private sector is allowed to operate. That is something I will be pushing. I met business people in Gaza at the time and they articulated this point of view to me. They had been wiped out by the blockade.