Results 10,001-10,020 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Cross-Border Projects: Cross-Border Projects (13 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together. Successive PEACE programmes have made an important contribution to the social and economic well-being of the people of Northern Ireland and the border regions. The programmes have contributed towards the reinforcement of progress towards a peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland, as well as promoting reconciliation between the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (13 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together. The Government is concerned about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Freedom of religious belief and expression is an issue which is discussed regularly with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral meetings and at European Union level. At these meetings, the Government re-iterates the great importance Ireland...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (13 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: There are no semi-State companies or statutory agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (13 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Government has always attached great importance to the implementation of the 1995 Resolution on a WMD free zone in the Middle East. The benefit of establishing such a zone in a region which faces so many political and security challenges is obvious. The Resolution was agreed in 1995 as part of a wider agreement which also included the indefinite extension of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (13 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As I have previously reported to this House, the decision to close the Embassy in Tehran was taken in light of the current pressures on public finances. It followed a careful review of our overseas diplomatic missions by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which paid particular attention to the economic return from bilateral missions. The Government remains committed to maintaining...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (13 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: On two occasions last year, I held very useful meetings in New York with representatives from the Irish American Lesbian and Gay community about a range of issues of concern to them. I agreed to stay in touch regarding these matters as well as the ongoing effort to resolve issues surrounding participation by the Gay and Lesbian community in the New York St Patrick's Day Parade. As a result...

Written Answers — Public Service Staff: Public Service Staff (13 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: My Department does not have an office in County Clare. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (14 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: My Department pays the rent on one office space which it occupies in Dublin, the ground floor of Findlater House, 27 -31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. This property is leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department. Consequently, all matters in relation to the lease are negotiated by the OPW. The rental costs were €417,450 in 2011. The space serves as a public...

Written Answers — Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe: Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (15 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am the Chairperson-in-Office for the duration of our Chairmanship and bear overall responsibility for the executive action of the organisation. Ireland was one of the founding States of the OSCE and we have always recognised the Organisation's vital role in maintaining peace and security in Europe. I am honoured to chair the OSCE this year and...

Written Answers — Irish Emigrants: Irish Emigrants (15 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Since 2004, my Department has provided funding to Irish emigrants living in Britain under the Emigrant Support Programme. Prior to this Irish Government funding was referred to as the Dion fund. The emphasis of the ESP is on supporting culturally sensitive front-line welfare services, targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities. These services have made a substantive...

Written Answers — Irish Emigrants: Irish Emigrants (15 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Report led to the establishment of the Irish Abroad Unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2004.This Unit has responsibility for developing Government policy towards Irish communities abroad and the wider Irish Diaspora and management of the annual Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) grant round. Since 2004, over €93m has been provided, through the Emigrant Support...

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: First, I wish to join with Deputy Martin in expressing sympathy on the death of Jim Stynes. He was a great sportsman and great ambassador for this country in Australia. I am arranging, through our ambassador in Australia, for the State to be represented at the funeral as I am sure Deputy Martin would expect. I acknowledge there have been difficulties with the payment of the household...

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: It is my normal practice, before taking Leaders' Questions and in anticipation of the questions that might be asked-----

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: -----to check with the relevant Minister as to what is the up-to-date position.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: This is what I did with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: It may be a new departure for Deputy Martin and his colleagues but this is a Government in which Ministers talk to each other.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: This is an issue about which people are concerned. They want to pay what they need to pay.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: They also require clarity in respect of the matter. That is why the Government has been clear about this matter. The deadline is 31 March and the household charge must be paid by that date. I acknowledge that there have been difficulties in respect of the method of payment. If Deputy Martin insists on making this a partisan issue, then there is a simple way to proceed.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: This is a charge the current Government was obliged to introduce because the previous Administration agreed with the troika last year that a property tax would be introduced in 2012.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: It was not possible to introduce a property tax this year-----