Results 7,681-7,700 of 50,213 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Yes.

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: It is difficult to comprehend. The Rachel Corrie was not under Irish ownership as such. The UN began by moving the cargo from the initial group of ships, with the exception of one ship whose owners have not yet agreed to the terms agreed by the UN with the Israeli authorities. The consideration of the cargo of the Rachel Corrie was delayed while this first group was dealt with. We believe...

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I am sorry; I wish to make one final point that may prevent further questions on the issue of property raised by Deputy Higgins. The large number of persons aboard the first group of ships detained left their personal belongings on board. These were not returned to them individually when they were deported. Instead, the luggage was sent en masse by aeroplane to Istanbul with the deportees....

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: We are following up any allegations of ill treatment towards Irish citizens.

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: There have been approximately two allegations, but I will come back to the Deputy with the specific number. We have met one of the individuals and are pursuing that allegation, including the issue of the passport.

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I will come back to the Deputy on that.

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I believe the ill-conceived strategy of dealing with the flotilla by military means ultimately had the effect of undermining the blockade and that the unacceptable killings and tragic deaths that resulted changed the entire situation. International pressure and reaction to the military attack on the flotilla was such that it rendered the policy of the blockade unsustainable. International...

Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Notwithstanding the different emphases and perspectives across the European Union with regard to the Middle East, the conclusions arrived at last December under the Swedish Presidency were strong and robust and form a basis for consensus across the Union and a platform for action on the issue. The issue remains on the agenda on a continuing basis because of events. The European Union...

Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32 (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Well done.

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Ireland takes an active interest in the successful resolution of the Cyprus question. The UN has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement and the Government fully supports the leadership of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative Alexander Downer in this important work. We will continue to encourage progress towards the achievement of a bi-zonal,...

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in 2003, the headquarters of Irish Aid, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, has moved to Limerick. The decentralisation of Irish Aid is fully complete and is making an important contribution to the economy of Limerick and the Mid-West region. It also contributes to civic life in the area...

Written Answers — Europe 2020 Strategy: Europe 2020 Strategy (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government welcomes the new Strategy which was adopted by the European Council on 17 June and fully supports the core elements as they have been agreed. We believe that the Strategy will provide an essential framework for action by the EU and its Member States to achieve higher levels of sustainable jobs and growth as economic recovery is secured. We are very satisfied with the broad...

Written Answers — Certificates of Irish Heritage: Certificates of Irish Heritage (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 377 together. The establishment of a Certificate of Irish Heritage was proposed in the Strategic Review of Ireland-US Relations, published in March 2009. The initiative is being taken forward by the Government in direct response to a strong demand for such a scheme among those members of our Diaspora who are not entitled to Irish citizenship and is a...

Written Answers — Death of United States Senator: Death of United States Senator (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a true American statesman, a hero to the state of West Virginia, and a true friend to the island of Ireland, Senator Robert C. Byrd. In this regard, I would like to note the Senator's support for the International Fund for Ireland, during his time as Chair of the Senate's Appropriations Committee. Throughout his 52 years in Congress,...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 53, 79 and 396 together. While much attention has rightly been concentrated on the recent events surrounding Gaza and their aftermath, it is crucial that we continue to focus on the efforts needed to reach a comprehensive political settlement. Ultimately this is the only way to fully achieve our goals of ending the occupation and its inherent injustices,...

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government's aid programme, administered from within my department by Irish Aid, is sharply focused on the reduction and eventual eradication of global poverty and hunger. Our partnership with development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and missionaries represents a very important element in this effort, reflecting the broad support among Irish people for the development programme....

Written Answers — EU Enlargement: EU Enlargement (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: Iceland applied for membership of the EU in July 2009. On 24 February, the Commission delivered a largely positive opinion (avis) on Iceland's readiness to begin accession negotiations and recommended that a date should be set for commencement of talks. In light of the Commission opinion the application was considered by Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs Council on 14 June and by...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: I have received a number of appeals in relation to the situation of the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, most recently in connection with the murder of over 90 members of that community in Lahore as they worshipped in two mosques in the city on 28 May. I have condemned these murders on a number of occasions in this House, just as I now condemn the murders of innocent civilians in the attack...

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government has provided assistance to Timor-Leste through Irish Aid since 2000. In March 2003, Timor -Leste was designated a programme country, with a commitment to long term strategic assistance. The Conflict Resolution Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs has been working with Timor-Leste since 2008, assisted by Ireland's Special Envoy, Nuala O'Loan. In 2009, Ireland provided a...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (6 Jul 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government remains in close and regular contact with the British Government about the range of ongoing issues which are the legacy of the Troubles. On 13 May, I visited Ballymurphy where the relatives of the eleven innocent people killed there between the 9 and 11 August 1971 took to the locations in the area at which their loved ones were killed. My visit was at the invitation of the...