Results 1,081-1,100 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Howlin obviously forgot what it was like to be a Minister.

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Stagg assumes it did not happen in his time.

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: We know Deputy Durkan has never been in Government. He has no experience.

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: No, I will not. I am informed that it is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I move: That Dáil Éireann, concerned at the plight of undocumented Irish people living in difficult circumstances in the United States of America: —welcomes the high priority being given by the US President and Congress to addressing the issue of immigration reform in a way which takes account of the particular position of the undocumented, and also of the security of US borders;...

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy should not start that. This is supposed to be a non-party issue.

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I thank all Members who have spoken, particularly those who were constructive in their support. I also thank the parties for the support they have given to this motion. I cannot let the occasion pass without referring to what I regard as an attack on officials, perhaps for political purposes, regarding the way they respond to our citizens abroad. I am astounded at the work rate and assistance...

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I know that. I know Fine Gael was told this was the case, as we were on many occasions, by our embassy officials in particular. This is an important day and I regret we do not have more time to discuss this matter. I am open to the possibility of returning to the Chamber as the debate in the United States progresses. Perhaps we could organise this between the Whips. I welcome the all-party...

Official Engagements. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Taoiseach and I, along with the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Conor Lenihan, represented Ireland at the UN World Summit 2005 in New York from 14 September to 16 September. I was honoured to act on behalf of the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as one of five envoys helping to do the groundwork for a summit outcome that would reinforce the multilateral system and...

Official Engagements. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: If I had time to complete my reply, I would have dealt with the issue of non-proliferation. Both the Taoiseach and I referred in our separate addresses to the fact we were very disappointed about the lack of an outcome in respect of the NPT. At a previous review conference on the NPT some months ago, I addressed the General Assembly on behalf of Ireland and referred to the fact that the...

Arms Trade. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland fully supports strict controls on arms and is working within the European Union and at a number of international fora to develop such controls, including an international arms trade treaty, as referred to by the Deputy. There are too many examples of conflicts which are fuelled by the proliferation of conventional weapons. This is especially an issue of concern in Africa, where the...

Arms Trade. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Export control is primarily an issue for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which is exploring the issue of strengthening controls and legislation in that respect. On the question of whether Ireland is canvassing, I am vocal at all international fora and have been supportive of the proposal at recent EU meetings. While its need is acknowledged, most member states, not least...

Arms Trade. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I have raised the point made by the Deputy on what could only be termed hypocrisy in some of the statements on the issue of overseas development assistance from major countries which at the same time trade arms with developing countries. That is why Ireland can speak with some conviction with regard to our place in the world in this respect. I concur that a disproportionate trade exists in...

Arms Trade. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I cannot comment on that but we would be willing to investigate any matter which might break sanctions on Zimbabwe and to issue a condemnation if they are breached.

Human Rights Issues. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The situation remains as set out in my replies to several previous questions, most recently Questions Nos. 603 and 616 of 28 September 2005. I am aware a number of recent media reports repeating concerns about the alleged use of Shannon Airport by the US to transit prisoners to Guantanamo Bay and other locations. Although no concrete evidence of such use has been produced, I want to assure...

Human Rights Issues. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I can confirm that the Office of the Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Human Rights has been in contact with the Department to confirm that neither he nor anyone on his behalf is currently investigating or inquiring into this matter. He did that on the basis of media reports that appeared in the Irish media. His office got in touch with us to confirm that they were not in any way...

Human Rights Issues. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I remind the Deputy that the multinational force is in Iraq with the authorisation of UN Security Council Resolution 1546 of June 2004, which called on states to support the efforts of the multinational force in Iraq. I am a democrat and accept the democratic voice in this regard. The 50 year practice in regard to the transiting of troops through Shannon Airport which has been used in...

Human Rights Issues. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: If a government of the stature of the US Government which has such a connection with this country gives us an absolute assurance in this regard, we accept it. Every time this matter has been raised in the media and in this House my officials have contacted the US Embassy and people in Washington and on every occasion they have said that there has been no such transiting. They have said that...

Human Rights Issues. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: That is not correct.

Human Rights Issues. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy is not prepared to accept the judgment in that case.