Results 1,141-1,160 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins

Order of Business (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Some time ago the Taoiseach sent me a list of the international conventions that are outstanding as not having been ratified by Ireland. He indicated that most of them are delayed in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has replied to questions in the same vein. Ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption was promised...

Middle East Peace Process. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 5: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government or the European Union propose to take in the short term to advance the achievement of peace in the Middle East in view of his recent visit to the region; the meetings he held with representatives of the Israeli Government, the Palestinian Authority and others; and the issues he raised at such meetings. [4495/07]

Middle East Peace Process. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Arising from the Minister's reply, does he agree it would be valuable to have a secretariat established to solve the road map? For example, with regard to the peace process in Northern Ireland, the fact there was continuity and a continuing interest from the major participants was invaluable. It is one of the singular features of the road map proposals that it lacks such. I noted from the...

International Agreements. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 2: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position Ireland proposes to take at the next meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in relation to such amendment of the guidelines as would facilitate the US-India agreement on nuclear material; if his attention has been drawn to the position taken by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs on this issue; his views on this position;...

International Agreements. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister will agree that there is no disagreement on some matters, one of which is that the Nuclear Suppliers Group, of which Ireland and 44 other countries are members, operates by consensus. This means that to stop the agreement coming into effect Ireland need only refuse to agree to a waiver. The Minister will also agree that the IAEA is not a secretariat to the Treaty on the...

International Agreements. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: It is disgraceful that France and other countries have done so.

International Agreements. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: That is not impressive.

International Agreements. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I know but there are differences between them, as well.

International Agreements. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Is it not the case that the nuclear non-proliferation treaty has been weakened by countries that have indicated support for the US-India agreement? Countries such as France have supplied others with a nuclear capacity. The weakest part of the treaty was the clause concerning the elimination of nuclear weapons because those countries which have insisted on retaining their nuclear weapons are...

International Agreements. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I agree with the Minister.

EU Accession Negotiations. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: One would favour the admission of Turkey if the Cyprus issue and human rights issues could be resolved. I put it to the Minister there is another issue, namely, the acknowledgment of genocide in the past history, which would be compatible with squaring up to the truth. That said, is it not true that some countries in the European Union are using these issues and the delaying of the process...

Territorial Waters. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I welcome this information which I have been seeking for some time. I have also submitted a parliamentary question for a written response on an issue which is a rather sad affair, namely, about Irish oil and gas companies that have announced they are taking up licences off the former territories of the Spanish Sahara that are in fact the property of the Saharawi people. While other...

Territorial Waters. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: I referred to a later written question on the illegal actions of an Irish company. The second question was whether the Minister would introduce a new marine and natural resources Bill.

Territorial Waters. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: What about bilateral talks?

Territorial Waters. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: In anticipation of the vindication of our rights and sovereignty over an extended area, which would be very welcome, should we encourage Irish companies to respect such sovereignty elsewhere? Perhaps the Minister will write to me about this. I am raising it now, but my later question was transferred to written answer for various reasons. I would be concerned if the European Commissioner...

Territorial Waters. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: It was a supplementary priority question transferred to written answer so I will have to wait for a reply. It would be worthwhile to face up to the fact that the Commission, in a flagrant breach of law, granted exploration and fishing rights off the shores of an occupied country. Some Ministers at the Council felt that it prejudiced a solution in the dispute between Morocco and the Sahrawi...

Foreign Conflicts. (8 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: The Minister's reply was comprehensive. It has been pointed out by some of those interested in advancing peace in the region that there is some progress when there is an international presence which stays on at the talks. In that regard, is there a possibility that some structure could be put in place towards advancing the peace process? The point has been made with regard to those who are...

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (13 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 113: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in receipt of higher education grants for the 2006 to 2007 academic year; if she will provide a breakdown of that number indicating those who are in receipt of a full grant, a partial grant and a top-up grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5073/07]

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (13 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 143: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used to decide whether a student qualifies for a top-up grant; if there is discretion on grounds of hardship in the awarding of such a grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5074/07]

Written Answers — Missing Persons: Missing Persons (13 Feb 2007)

Michael D Higgins: Question 246: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a missing persons helpline in view of the fact that for the most part information was not readily available for a considerable duration of the missing persons helpline pilot programme that lasted from October 2002 until 2003; and if he will address the needs of families of missing persons or of...