Results 1,361-1,380 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The fifth and final report of the Independent Inquiry Committee, ICC, established by the UN Secretary General to examine irregularities in the operation of the Iraq oil for food programme, OFFP, was issued on 26 October in New York. The report focused on the manner in which the Saddam Hussein regime manipulated the programme to gain illegal income though the imposition of surcharges on...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My comment regarding the complexity of the issue was in reference to such considerations as the scope of the proposed international arms trade treaty and the wish of its proponents that it be a legally-binding document. Experience within the United Nations in the past has shown that negotiations involving 191 states on such matters have been complex and consensus is often difficult to...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I was delighted to be able to accept an invitation to address the National Forum on Europe at the resumption of its work in Dublin Castle on 20 October. My address was followed by an extended discussion with contributions and questions from the members of the forum, as well as from participants from its special observer pillar, to which I responded. Since its inception, the forum has played a...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on 9 July 2004 on the construction of the wall on occupied Palestinian territory is not binding, but it represents a clear and authoritative statement of the position in international law. The Government believes it must be respected. The Government and its partners in the European Union have reaffirmed this position on many...

Written Answers — Consular Services: Consular Services (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The core objective of the Department of Foreign Affairs in providing consular services is to assist and protect the interests of Irish citizens who live or travel abroad. In providing consular services, the Department is guided by a number of international agreements which established international norms for the treatment of non-nationals by host countries. They also prescribe rights of...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representations: Diplomatic Representations (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: As I advised the Deputy on 26 October, Irish officials at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast were asked at the time to seek clarification from the British authorities as to the basis for the arrest of Mr Sean Garland. It was indicated that Mr. Garland was provisionally arrested on foot of a request from the United States Government for his extradition. The request for...

Written Answers — Expressions of Sympathy: Expressions of Sympathy (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I was saddened to learn of the death of Rosa Parks on 24 October last at the age of 92. A formal message of condolence has not been sent to the US ambassador as this would usually be the practice only in the case of current or former office holders. I am pleased, however, to have this opportunity to record the Government's admiration for her remarkable contribution as a civil rights pioneer....

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I am aware of the matter to which the Deputy refers. I know that a recent television documentary shown here on the return of refugees to North Korea from China has increased awareness and concern on the issue in Ireland. Ireland, together with our partners in the European Union, takes concerns about the human rights situation and the treatment of refugees in China very seriously. Human rights...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to make inquires to try to establish the facts of the situation. If the information becomes available, I will immediately convey it to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy. It should be noted that a significant number of staff will also have left the Department during this period, on transfer to other Departments or offices. Others will have retired or resigned, or availed of the option to take career breaks or special leave. I am afraid that I am unable to estimate the number of staff that...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 143 together. I would refer the Deputies to my comprehensive reply to Questions Nos. 76 and 112 of 6 October on the security, political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The security situation remains a matter of serious concern. On 21 October nine policemen were killed when suspected Taliban rebels ambushed their convoy in Kandahar province. A...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The task force on policy regarding emigrants produced a very good report with wide-ranging conclusions, covering the full range of emigrant needs. Its recommendations were far-reaching and varied and the implementation of some of these will be, by necessity, on a phased basis over a number of years. Considerable progress has already been made, with action underway on over two thirds of its...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: With regard to the proposed International Arms Trade Treaty, ATT, the General Affairs and External Relations Council, at its meeting on 3 October 2005, acknowledged the growing support throughout the world for an international treaty to establish common standards for the global trade in conventional arms. The Council also agreed that binding standards, consistent with the existing...

Written Answers — Partnership for Peace: Partnership for Peace (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My most recent discussions with European counterparts on the issue of Partnership for Peace, PfP, took place at the security forum of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, EAPC, in May this year. The EAPC security forum, which was inaugurated this year, is intended as an annual informal ministerial meeting which provides an opportunity for in-depth discussion of important security policy...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: While the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, remains difficult, there have been some encouraging signs. The major priority continues to be the organisation of national elections early next year, which will mark the culmination of the transition process inaugurated by the 2002 Sun City peace accords. These local, legislative and presidential elections are expected to take...

Leaders' Questions. (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: We are paying GPs too much.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Opposition should not behave like a fascist party. They should let the Taoiseach speak.

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland does not oppose any specific proposals in the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which prepares the agenda for European Councils. The future financial perspectives of the Union and the Union's approach to the WTO negotiations are particularly sensitive. They are under on-going discussion at the Council and give rise to the expression of strong positions. It is not...

Written Answers — EU Legislation: EU Legislation (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My Department does not as a rule directly implement EU legislation. Therefore exemptions from EU directives or regulations do not arise.

Written Answers — EU Legislation: EU Legislation (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My Department does not as a rule directly implement EU legislation and therefore the question of seeking exemptions from EU directives or regulations in my Department's area of responsibility does not arise.