Results 9,681-9,700 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Order of Business (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I do not have a date for when that will be considered in committee. I understand the normal practice is for the committee to set a date for Committee Stage consideration of the Bill.

Order of Business (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I understand the Coroners Bill has reached Committee Stage in the Seanad, but I do not have a date for when it will be considered there. With regard to Priory Hall, there is a question on the Order Paper for the Minister and I do not want to anticipate his reply.

Order of Business (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The companies Bill is a large comprehensive piece of legislation. There are 1,270 heads in that Bill and it is expected that it will be published late in 2012. I do not have a date for the money laundering Bill.

Order of Business (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I expect the finance Bill will be considered by Government in the near future and that it will be published and dealt with this session and that it will provide Deputy McGrath with an opportunity to talk at length about that.

Order of Business (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: A committee is to consider the heads of that Bill and the objective is to have completed its consideration of the heads by the end of February. Detailed drafting of the final Bill will then take place before it is published shortly thereafter. With regard to ancillary matters, the personal insolvency Bill is part of a package of measures and the Government is proceeding to implement the...

Order of Business (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I do not know the answer to that, but I will ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to communicate directly with the Deputy on the issue.

Written Answers — Consular Services: Consular Services (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through its Consular Assistance Section and Crisis Planning Unit, Embassies, Consulates and Honorary Consuls, provided consular assistance to 1,506 Irish citizens involved in 1,342 incidents abroad in 2011. This does not include the number of Irish citizens who were assisted during the large number of crises abroad in 2011 including the...

Written Answers — Trade Relations: Trade Relations (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Trade missions are a valuable support to Irish business in developing the exports which are crucial to our economic recovery. This is particularly the case in countries where Government-to-Government contacts are a prerequisite for doing business. My Department and our Embassy network work closely with the agencies and other Government Departments regarding the organisation of such...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I paid a visit to Japan from 12 to 13 October 2011 and the main focus of which was on trade promotion. Included in my itinerary were several business events, organised by the Embassy and agencies - Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. I held a meeting with the Chief Secretary of Japan, Mr. Osamu Fujimura on economic, political and trade matters. I availed of the opportunity to raise the...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As was outlined in my statement of 3 November last year, the decision of the Government to close our embassy to the Holy See and to appoint a non-resident Ambassador was driven by economic factors deriving from our need to cut public expenditure and focus the modest resources of our diplomatic service on economic recovery. The total cost saving in a full year is estimated at €845,000. The...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Cathaoirleach for inviting me to the House for this discussion. I am delighted to have the opportunity to address Seanad Éireann on foreign affairs issues. I have a slight time constraint in that I must leave by approximately 5 p.m. If we have not completed the discussion by then, I will be more than happy to return to the Chamber for that purpose. Economic recovery remains...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As well as these direct promotional activities, I will avail of all appropriate opportunities to advance Ireland's economic interests that may arise in my own foreign travel schedule, whether linked to my role as chairman of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, or other bilateral engagements. While our focus is necessarily on domestic economic revival, our...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: A considerable range of topics has been covered. I join Senators in welcoming the secretary general of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. I had the privilege of formally meeting him yesterday morning, with the president of the Parliamentary Assembly and Mr. Soares from Portugal. Not only will I work with the Parliamentary Assembly during 2012 in my capacity as chairman of the OSCE,...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: They were truly shocking and I will issue a formal statement on behalf of the Government on them. Senator Jim Walsh also mentioned the Assad regime in Syria. We have taken a very strong position in calling on President Assad to introduce reforms and stand aside if he does not do so. We support the very strong position taken by the European Union, including the imposition of sanctions. As...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Senator Michael Mullins mentioned the Middle East peace process. We support the efforts which have been made through the Quartet that arose in September following the UN General Assembly where a statement and a timetable was agreed by the Quartet. We have been encouraging both sides to participate in talks and that was the focus of many of my discussions with the leaders whom I met at the...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: In Africa?

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: We are continuing our diplomatic representation in Africa. Late last year we launched an Africa strategy which is aimed at bringing together our diplomatic work in Africa, the aid work, and also bringing into focus the opportunities for trade with Africa. I do not want our aid programme to appear to be entirely mercenary. The reality is that the openings Ireland has got through its aid...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I will deal first with the questions raised by Senator O'Brien. Yes, Ireland supports statehood for Palestine. We have made it very clear at the UN General Assembly that if the question of Palestinian membership of the United Nations arises, depending on the way in which resolutions are worded, Ireland will support that. I raised the issue of the settlements in my discussions at the...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: We can, if there is any confusion about it.

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Senator. I agree with the point in respect of our candidacy for membership of the UN Human Rights Council. It is obviously important that our human rights reputation is maintained. Senator Hayden and Senator van Turnhout referred to that. The worst way one can be about human rights is complacent. However, let us face it - we have a good record and reputation. The periodic...