Results 11,201-11,220 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Presidency Expenditure (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 145 and 151 together. The Government is committed to making Jobs and Growth the central focus and thematic approach to the Irish Presidency. To successfully deliver on that objective we need to tackle the ongoing financial crisis, and restore stability to the Euro zone, but the focus must be on generating growth in the EU economy and getting Europe back...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The deeply worrying situation in Syria was one of the principal items addressed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on 15 October which I attended. Discussion focussed on the heightened tensions currently existing between Syria and Turkey and the dangers of the conflict spreading into the wider region. Considerable attention was also devoted to the worsening humanitarian...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together. This summer's parades in Northern Ireland were once again marred by outbreaks of violence, most significantly in North Belfast where there were serious disturbances in the Ardoyne on 12 July and in the Carrick Hill/Carlisle Circus area over several evenings in late August and early September. Such violence is totally unacceptable. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North-South Implementation Bodies (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Government is firmly committed to developing cross border cooperation in every possible respect. It is a vehicle for reconciliation and better understanding on the island but is also a mechanism for ensuring a more efficient delivery of services and a more coordinated approach to job creation and recovery, North and South. The establishment and first meeting last week of a North/South...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Treaties (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together. At the request of the European Council, President Van Rompuy is currently examining how to strengthen Economic and Monetary Union and will bring forward a final report in this regard before the end of the year. In this, he will explore what is possible within the current Treaty framework, and whether any proposed steps would require...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I was pleased to be able to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu during my visit to the Middle East in January, and to have a good discussion with him on a range of issues. I have reported to the House on my discussions during that visit. I have not been in contact with Prime Minister Netanyahu more recently. As he has now called a general election in Israel, it is perhaps less likely that I...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: While I am not aware of any particular plans to discuss these events, along my with my fellow EU Foreign Minister colleagues, I am, of course, concerned by the incidents of unrest that have occurred in a number of European countries. Whatever the specific underlying reason in each case, such events have reinforced my determination, and that of my colleagues in Government, to continue to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Mission Numbers (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy will be aware, proposals for Trade Missions to be led at Ministerial level in 2012 were submitted by Enterprise Ireland last December simultaneously to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and to me for consideration and approval. The agreed programme for this year was presented to the Export Trade Council at its 16 February meeting. It is still too early to discuss...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Banking (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade operates a number of Bank accounts at home and also at each diplomatic mission. At Headquarters level, the Department has accounts with the following banks: Bank of Ireland All Vote 27 payments, Payroll and Sterling payments from Vote 28 CitiBank Payment to suppliers and travel and subsistence payments from Vote 28 AIB Passport Office...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Presidency Expenditure (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Preparations for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2013 are continuing and are on track. The Programme for Government makes a clear commitment to restoring Ireland's standing as a respected an influential member of the EU and the wider international community. Ireland’s Council of the Presidency of the EU during the first six months...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I can inform the Deputy that the issue he has referred to is not on the agenda of the European Council.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Tribunals of Inquiry Reports (16 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am not aware of any proceedings which have been initiated against me or my Department arising out of the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Anti-Social Driving Practices (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The North-South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat has consulted with a number of Departments and agencies which felt that they could not assist further as regards anti-social driving practices on the N54-A3 road. This is essentially a policing issue and the NSMC does not have any role in the matter nor any authority to progress it further. However, I appreciate the seriousness of this...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Anti-Social Driving Practices (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As Deputy Smith said, I acknowledge that this is a serious issue. We are talking about a stretch of road that crosses the Border on a number of occasions. It is being used for speed racing, joyriding and activity of that kind which is clearly hugely dangerous. There is a difficulty enforcing the law because the road straddles the two jurisdictions. It is not the function of the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Anti-Social Driving Practices (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I acknowledge the problem and I assure Deputy Smith that I will do everything I can, working with colleagues and in communication with our counterparts in Northern Ireland, to have it addressed. It clearly has to be addressed on a cross-Border basis because it is a cross-Border problem. It is not a function of the North-South Ministerial Council and Deputy Smith will appreciate my reasons...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Anti-Social Driving Practices (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am happy to answer it.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The individual referred to has been detained since 13 May 2011, following the revocation of her life licence by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. In the 17 months she has been in custody, she has been held both in the secure all male prison in Maghaberry and more recently in Hydebank Prison, which is a mixed prison. The person concerned is currently receiving treatment in a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I do not propose to talk about her medical condition or her medical records because it is not appropriate to do so in a public forum. As I said, I am concerned about this case and I raised it repeatedly with the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. When I met the new Secretary of State, I took the first opportunity I had to discuss this case with her. I am due to meet her again...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy said, the former Secretary of State revoked the licence in this case. I understand legal submissions were made recently in connection with that and a process is under way. Separately, a charge is before the courts, although that does not appear to be the principal reason she continues to be detained. That has more to do with the revocation of the licence. I have discussed a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (17 Oct 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Government has consistently stated that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law and are an obstacle to peace. The relentless construction of settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. This is unambiguous EU policy and a clear message that Ireland and our EU partners relay...