Results 7,841-7,860 of 50,213 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Millennium Development Goals: Millennium Development Goals (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Question Nos. 107 and 110 together. Ireland is committed to the full realisation of all human rights, and to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, including the seventh Millennium Development Goal of reducing by half, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Through the Government's development...

Written Answers — EU Meetings: EU Meetings (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen T.D., attended the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels from 4 to 5 October. The overarching theme of the meeting was 'Quality of Life'. The ASEM Summit brought together the leaders of 46 countries, representing half of the world's GDP, two thirds of the world's population and almost two thirds of global trade. New...

Written Answers — Overseas Elections: Overseas Elections (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government remains closely engaged at both European Union and international level in monitoring the situation in Burma and in supporting the Burmese people in their struggle for democracy and human rights. In relation to the upcoming elections scheduled to be held in November, the electoral laws published in March indicate that the regime intends to control every aspect of the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Question Nos. 112, 119, 123 and 394 together. The human rights situation in Iran has deteriorated significantly, from an already poor position, since the Presidential election in 2009. I am gravely concerned about the widespread, arbitrary and sometimes politically-motivated use of the death penalty in Iran, the possibility of execution by stoning, the execution of minors...

Written Answers — United Nations Reform: United Nations Reform (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: As I outlined in my address to the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September, Ireland believes strongly in the need for reform of the United Nations. Ireland has actively championed the reform agenda at the UN in recent years and will continue to do so. In terms of the UN's development architecture, Ireland is particularly supportive of the 'Delivering as One' approach at country...

Written Answers — Undocumented Irish: Undocumented Irish (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States remains an important priority for this Government. The Government is also committed to working with our friends in Congress to enhance Ireland's bilateral visa arrangements with the US through the establishment of an E-3 type reciprocal visa facility. This would be a two year renewable working visa scheme. In addition, I...

Written Answers — EU Membership: EU Membership (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The European Union enjoys a long and close relationship with Turkey. Accession negotiations were opened in 2005 and Ireland continues to make a constructive input to on-going negotiations. As a beneficiary of a past enlargement, and on the experience of more recent accessions, Ireland is broadly supportive of enlargement. The prospect of enlargement bolsters economic and political reform...

Written Answers — EU Meetings: EU Meetings (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: On 16 September I accompanied the Taoiseach to a meeting of the European Council in Brussels which was convened by President Van Rompuy to consider the EU's approach to external relations and its engagement with strategic partners. The meeting confirmed the lead role of the European Council in defining the EU's strategic interests and objectives. Issues highlighted at the meeting included...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Government looks forward to the further development of the EU's relations with Israel, as with all our Mediterranean partners. I have, however, made very clear, both in the Dáil and at EU level, my firm view that it is not appropriate to proceed with the proposed "upgrade" of EU-Israel relations at this time. The proposed upgrade has been suspended. Substantial progress in the...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I have regular contact with the Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, including at Foreign Affairs Council meetings in Brussels. Our bilateral discussions have covered a range of issues relevant to our valued bilateral and historic relationship with Spain, including in the EU context. I would be supportive of measures that could contribute to the permanent ending of violence...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Question Nos. 122 and 129 together. I utterly condemn the incident which took place on 5 October. As I noted in my subsequent public statement, this futile, destructive attack on the economic infrastructure in Derry took place at a time when the community is working hard to attract jobs, tourism and investment into the region. I know that great disruption was experienced by...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Question Nos. 124 and 136 together. The Government remains concerned about the political and human rights situation in Sri Lanka. In August, the Member States of the European Union, including Ireland, decided to suspend special duty-free access given to Sri Lankan exports under the Generalised System of Preferences - the so-called GSP plus. This suspension came after the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: Notwithstanding some progress, Cambodia`s compliance with international civil and political human rights standards and norms continues to be a cause for concern. This concern has heightened in recent years with the trend of prosecution on defamation charges of representatives of the opposition, media, trade unions and human rights organisations. The opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, has been...

Written Answers — Drugs Policy: Drugs Policy (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The International Drug Policy Consortium, an NGO which deals with drug policy, published a briefing paper in March 2010 entitled 'Time for an Impact Assessment of Drug Policy'. Under the heading 'Who should carry out an Impact Assessment?', the paper states: "Ideally national governments should commission IAs [Impact Assessments] of their drug policies at national level, and the EC (or...

Written Answers — EU2020 Strategy: EU2020 Strategy (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: I welcome the new Europe 2020 Strategy which was adopted by the European Council on 17 June and the Government fully support the core elements. I believe that the Strategy will provide an essential framework for action by the EU and Member States to achieve higher levels of sustainable jobs and growth as economic recovery is secured. As the Deputy is aware, the European Council has agreed...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: In my address to the UN General Assembly on 27 September, I regretted that Israel had not renewed the limited freeze on settlement construction which had been a key element in allowing the direct negotiations to begin on 2 September. The renewal of settlement construction has threatened the continuation of those talks, which should be the first priority of both Israelis and Palestinians, and...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: The annual General Debate at the UN General Assembly is a valuable opportunity for each Member State to address the wide range of issues and concerns facing the UN and its members. In my address to the Assembly this year, I raised a broad range of issues of concern to Ireland and the international community, including the ongoing requirement for UN reform; the need for decisive...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: Ms. Mairead Maguire was refused entry to Israel on 28 September on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport on a flight from Frankfurt. The basis for refusal was that she had been previously deported from Israel, most recently in June 2010 following her detention at sea on board the Rachel Corrie. She appealed this decision to the Central District Court and subsequently to the Supreme Court of Israel....

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: Globally, there are seventy eight countries where individuals may still face criminal sanctions on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. A significant number, though not all, of these, are in Africa. Ireland is among those countries that have been active at the United Nations and internationally in promoting recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights,...

Written Answers — EU Meetings: EU Meetings (12 Oct 2010)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy will be aware, Cathy Ashton was appointed as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in December last year. Since that time, I have met the High Representative regularly, including at meetings of the monthly Foreign Affairs Council and at informal 'Gymnich' meetings of EU Foreign Ministers. I have also spoken with HR Ashton directly by telephone on a number...