Results 7,961-7,980 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Foreign Conflicts (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I can only respond to what is fact. As a country, we support the efforts of those who have been seeking to establish democracy in Egypt, Tunisia and, more recently, Libya. It was hoped that the transition to democracy in Libya would proceed peacefully and that the regime would respond to the Libyan people's demands for change. However, that did not occur. The regime responded to its...

Passport Applications (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy is aware, the programme for Government included the commitment that consideration would be given to transferring the passport service from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of Justice and Law Reform to operate as an independent executive agency under the aegis of that Department. Officials in my Department are currently examining the issues associated with...

Passport Applications (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I should have said nothing about supplementary questions earlier. I was tempting fate. There were approximately ten supplementary questions.

Passport Applications (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I do not have the information regarding processing times but I will forward it to the Deputy. He raised a number of issues relating to security and the use of fake passports. That is precisely the rationale for the proposed transfer from my Department to the Department of Justice and Law Reform.

Passport Applications (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Issues relating to citizenship are currently dealt with by the Department of Justice and Law Reform. The issuance of passports is different now from 30 or 40 years ago when it was taken as a matter of course that this would be done by the Department of Foreign Affairs. In many jurisdictions, the issuing of passports is closely aligned with immigration functions and the issuing of...

European Council Meeting: Statements (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Got it in one.

European Council Meeting: Statements (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Members who contributed to the debate, in the course of which there were many references, understandably, to the debates that took place during the general election campaign. Leaving aside the partisan comments we all tend to make about general elections and their outcomes, the overwhelming message from the general election was people's desire that the new Government would get to...

Written Answers — Nuclear Proliferation: Nuclear Proliferation (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Nuclear weapons pose an existential challenge to humanity and achieving their elimination is a fundamental global challenge. Nuclear non-proliferation and implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty have been priorities of Irish Governments for over 50 years. We have a proud record of engagement and achievement in this critically important field and I am committed to maintaining...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Maintaining and strengthening peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland is a key priority for the Government. We are committed to the full and effective implementation of the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements and intend to engage actively and constructively with the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, civil society and all sides of the community. The Taoiseach had a...

Written Answers — Ambassadors Conference: Ambassadors Conference (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Government has given a commitment that we will get the economy moving, restore confidence in the economy, fix our banking system and support the protection and creation of jobs. It is also our declared intention to re-build Ireland's reputation on the international stage. We are determined to restore Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the European Union and as...

Written Answers — Ambassadors Conference: Ambassadors Conference (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Meetings of Ambassadors are convened as necessary. It has not been the practice, however, to hold them annually. The last such meeting took place in September 2009. The Government attaches major priority in its Programme to ensuring that the resources of the diplomatic network are fully mobilised to aid the repair of our international reputation. Accordingly, it has decided to recall all...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: My travel schedule will be designed to ensure the effective and vigorous fulfilment of my responsibilities as Minister for Foreign Affairs, in particular active pursuit of Ireland's foreign policy objectives, working to rebuild our international reputation and promotion of our economic interests overseas. The majority of my travel arises directly from Ireland's active and committed membership...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together. As the Deputy will be aware, in light of the current economic circumstances, the Government decided on 15 March to reduce the staffing levels in Ministers' private and constituency offices. The new limits for Ministerial Offices are as follows: Each Minister of the Government may have a maximum of 8 staff in his/her Private Office (down...

Written Answers — Ministerial Responsibilities: Ministerial Responsibilities (22 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach made an announcement on 10 March 2011 appointing two Ministers of State to my Department. Deputy Lucinda Creighton will have responsibility for European Affairs and Deputy Jan O'Sullivan will have responsibility for Development and Trade. The Minister for Finance, in consultation with the relevant Ministers, is to bring proposals to Government...

Response to the Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan: Statements (23 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: We have all been deeply shocked and saddened by the recent events in Japan, including the devastating earthquake and tsunami and the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. I am sure the entire House will join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to the Japanese Government and people at this especially difficult time. At magnitude 9 on the Richter scale, the earthquake that...

Response to the Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan: Statements (23 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Members who contributed to the debate on this matter. I assure them that I will convey to the Government of Japan the unanimous sympathy, concern and solidarity that has been expressed in the House in respect of the Japanese people and the difficult circumstances in which they find themselves. I thank Deputy Kitt for his good wishes and for what I interpret as his advice that I...

Order of Business (24 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Order of Business is No. 5a, statements on the current situation in Libya. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings in relation to No. 5a shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.30 p.m. today and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the statement of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons...

Order of Business (24 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The results of the stress tests are expected next week and the Minister for Finance will make a statement following the announcement of the stress tests. The timing of that statement will depend on when the stress tests are announced and made available. It is the intention of the Minister for Finance to make a statement in response.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Yes, I hope the statement will be made to the House. That will depend on when the results of the stress tests will be announced.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: First, I reassure Deputy McDonald that there is no U-turn. The Taoiseach is attending the European Council meeting today. There are serious issues being faced by the country and we find ourselves in difficult economic circumstances; this is allied to the challenging work that must be undertaken to get the country out of its economic difficulties and serious discussions which must take place...