Results 14,721-14,740 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (18 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: I met with the Secretary of State most recently on 6 February 2014 to discuss the current political talks and how to take forward the compromise proposals on contentious issues facing Northern Ireland. We agreed that we wish to see the Northern Ireland Parties reach agreement as soon as possible and without further delay. I spoke with the Secretary of State by telephone on 12 February...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Remuneration (18 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: It is the policy in my Department for staff to progress on incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum, subject to having received a performance evaluation of "fully achieved expectations" and a satisfactory sick leave record.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: State Bodies Issues (18 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: There are no State Agencies or Bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: The 17th of May this year will mark the 40th anniversary of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. With 33 killed, that terrible day saw the highest number of casualties on any single day during the Troubles. A further 300 people were injured. Many families across this island suffered terrible losses during the Troubles, including the Dublin-Monaghan families. I think of them today and of their...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: I fully support the resolution which was passed unanimously by this House. The Government will continue to pursue that motion with the British authorities, as it has done to date. I should also mention that the issue of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings also needs to be considered in the context of the discussion on how to deal in a comprehensive manner with the past, which was the subject of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: As I said earlier, I have read Anne Cadwallader's book. I have met with some of the families of those about whom the book is written and I intend to meet shortly with Anne Cadwallader and Margaret Urwin. I intend to continue to pursue the unanimous wish of this House for the provision of information with the British Government. I hope the arrangements that are now being discussed for...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: I take seriously the concerns which have been raised about the well-being of detained evacuees from Homs. The tragedy of Homs, which is just one of a number of areas under siege in Syria, and the deprivation inflicted on its remaining population represent without doubt a crime under international humanitarian law. Last week’s cynical and cowardly attack against the Homs humanitarian...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: There are a number of issues here. First, we have the Geneva II talks. I regret that the talks have not made real progress towards the ending of the conflict. Opposition representatives have made constructive efforts to set out realistic principles for a roadmap to end the conflict and preserve the Syrian state. From the statement issued by the Special Representative, Mr. Brahami, it is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy said, Ireland is taking some refugees. The issue of refugees is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality and I know he is keeping it under consideration. We need to recognise the scale of the problem here. Some 2 million people are in refugee camps in countries bordering Syria. It is on a scale at which the taking of refugees does not address the entire problem. We...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Diplomatic Representation (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland’s diplomatic and consular network is at the forefront of efforts to promote our political and economic interests and values and in providing important services for the people and business community. Ireland’s diplomatic network comprises 56 embassies, seven multilateral missions and ten consulates general and other offices. This network will be further expanded as the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Diplomatic Representation (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: We have a small footprint compared to other countries in respect of our representation abroad. I have expressed the wish to have it expanded, but because we have a small footprint, we have to change it on a continuing basis, as our needs and demands change. The Deputy asked why we could not wait until after the review of foreign policy had been completed. A number of reviews are under way....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Diplomatic Representation (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: This country has a strong record and reputation internationally for the promotion of human rights and we will maintain this. The promotion of human rights operates in tandem with our trade work. Trade agreements signed by the European Union have a human rights dimension; therefore, we give huge attention to the promotion of human rights in our work on the Human Rights Council. Iran, the...

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: The question down for me is about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. I will answer any other supplementary questions arising from it. The nature of the Saudi state, as an absolute monarchy with a legal system based on Islamic Sharia, means it is wholly different from the rights-based culture and legal system of western countries. While the overall human rights situation in Saudi...

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland has always been at the forefront internationally in raising human rights issues through bilateral contacts, the European Union and the United Nations. We have never shied away from addressing those issues. Ireland made two recommendations to Saudi Arabia during the most recent human rights council universal periodic review process in October. These recommendations focused on the...

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: I have quite a number of examples of what Ireland is doing in this regard.

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: I was anxious to put on record what Ireland is doing on the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. I will take another opportunity to do so.

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: I am anxious to put on the record the actions the Government has taken on the human rights issue in Saudi Arabia. The European Union group, of which we are a party, received approval from the Saudi authorities to attend the trials of human rights activists. This is a significant and positive development that will enable the group to more closely monitor issues relating to access to justice...

Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: The Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of May 2012, to which Ireland strongly contributed, were an important statement of EU policy on the Middle East conflict. They identified a range of critical and negative Israeli policies which needed to be changed. Many of these centred around the continuing expansion of settlements, which I have consistently identified as a central issue in the...

Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: There is no doubt that the settlements should not be continuing. The Deputy is correct that if the settlements do continue they will make the development of the two-state solution physically impossible. They will effectively sever the northern-southern part of the West Bank. They are having a huge impact around Jerusalem and Israel should stop settlement expansion, particularly in the...

Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (19 Feb 2014)

Eamon Gilmore: This has been a long-standing issue. There has been a stand-off for a very long period. I am glad that discussions are under way and I want to see those succeed. I think the European Union has a role in supporting the talks. It has a role into the future in its relationship with Israel and with the Palestinian state. It needs to pursue more strongly the conclusions reached in May 2012....