Results 9,061-9,080 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The devastating earthquake which struck Haiti on 12 January 2010 killed more than 230,000 people and injured 300,000 others. The earthquake, which destroyed much of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas, also left approximately 1.5 million people homeless and caused losses and damage estimated at approximately €5.9 billion. Over 550,000 people remain homeless, living in...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Ambassador's Residence in Ottawa was acquired by the State in 1960. Only modest investments were made in its upkeep over the years and it had long been in need of substantial refurbishment. In 2006, my Department was advised that total renovation was required to address a wide range of serious structural and maintenance issues. Some of these problems were aggravated by the long term...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 23 and 25 together. I fully respect the motives, intentions and objectives of those seeking to campaign against the Israeli blockade of Gaza, both through engaging in peaceful protest and through seeking to send humanitarian aid there. However, as I have stated in the House previously, I could not support a venture whereby citizens intended to place...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I am aware of the case of Mr. René Ganzález Sehwerert, who was one of five Cuban nationals known as the "Miami five", who were convicted on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder in 2001 in the United States. I am also aware that Mr Ganzález, who was accused of conspiracy to commit espionage, was released on probation on 7 October. The Irish Government has no standing in...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland has 58 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 11 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis. Ireland's missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland's foreign policy interests. These include representing and...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I share the Deputy's concerns about the plight of Cambodian migrant domestic workers. I understand from our Embassies in the region that discussions are going on at the highest political level between the two governments involved regarding this problem. I welcome this and hope that the discussions will bring an end to the exploitation of these migrant domestic workers. I note that...

Written Answers — State Visits: State Visits (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: There is no outstanding invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Ireland, nor have the Government been made aware of any desire on the part of the Pope to visit Ireland in the coming twelve months. I am sure, however, that should the Government be made aware of the Pope's interest in coming to Ireland at any time, an official invitation would be forthcoming. As to the other matters raised...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 36 together. The Government welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1973 on 17 March which demanded the immediate establishment of a cease-fire, a complete end to violence and all attacks against, and abuse of, civilians and which decided to establish a no fly zone over Libya in order to help protect civilians. I have...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together. The operating budgets for the Embassies in Iran and the Holy See for 2011 amount to €420,987 and €348, 049 respectively. These allocations cover items such as local staff salary costs, premises expenses, office machinery, official travel and post and telecommunications. By moving the Embassy to Italy into the building currently...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I am aware of this case. I set out the general principles relating to EU innovation funds in my reply to a Question on this issue from Deputy MacLochlainn on 18 October. As stated in that reply, I agree that EU research funding should be consistent with wider EU policies, and the EU has a clear position that the Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory are illegal, and are a barrier to...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I understand from reports that Gnanasundaram Kuhanathan, the editor of the Tamil language daily "Uthayan" newspaper in Sri Lanka, was attacked and brutally beaten in July of this year. I understand that no progress has been made to date on prosecuting the perpetrators of this attack. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not have a resident mission in Sri Lanka. Our Embassy in New Delhi...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I am aware of recent reports, produced by international organisations such as Human Rights Watch, that allege mines in Zambia, in particular those operated by Chinese firms, are dangerously unsafe, with poor health and safety conditions in contravention of labour laws and regulations. China is a very significant investor in the Zambian economy particularly in the critically important mining...

Written Answers — Global Irish Forum: Global Irish Forum (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The second Global Irish Economic Forum was held in Dublin Castle on the 7th and 8th of October. The primary purposes of the Forum were to engage fully with the Irish Diaspora in developing Ireland's global business and trade relations; to discuss face-to-face the Government's priorities for economic renewal with key members of the international business community; and to strengthen ties with...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As a small trading country increasing the volume of our exports is vital to ensure sustainable growth for our economy. Despite the difficult trading conditions Irish exports have proved resilient in recent years. The total value of merchandise exports in 2010 was €162.7 billion, the highest ever total, representing growth of 8% on the 2009 figure. Services exports have also seen growth...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States remain important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed these issues with President Obama when we met with him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding to our concerns, the President expressed his interest...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland, together with our EU partners, is committed to enhancing stability in the Western Balkans region. The EU perspective for the countries in the region, agreed at the June 2003 Thessaloniki European Council, is essential in helping to build and maintain this stability. The EU will remain engaged in assisting the countries in the region to undertake the reforms necessary to move forward...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As I have previously stated in my reply to PQ27601/11 of 4 October, the human rights situation in Iran is profoundly disturbing, and the period since the Presidential election of 2009 has been characterised by an intensification of human rights abuses on many fronts. I am greatly concerned about the targeting of the academic community and educators in Iran, amid a widespread and intentional...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Human Rights are, and have always been, a priority of successive Irish Governments and a central part of our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources, including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Democratic transition in any country must first and foremost be led by the country itself if the budding democracy is to have deep and enduring roots. However, there are important practical and political ways in which the international community can assist. With this in mind, the international community has extended significant help — and will continue to do so — to Europe's neighbours...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (10 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As outlined in my statement on Thursday last, it was with the greatest regret and reluctance that a decision had to be made to close Ireland's Embassies to the Holy See and Iran and its representative office in Timor Leste. This decision is in line with the tough choices that the Government must make to address the current economic challenges that face the country. Our targets under the...