Results 1,921-1,940 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I thought the Deputy was well brought up. He should have some manners. Deputy Durkan raised the issue of Kyoto. As far as I am aware the Government's attitude is that we should comply with the Kyoto criteria. I have moved on from that Department but my information is that we are more or less there in regard to them. We will reach our Kyoto targets. Roaming charges are also something for which...

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I entirely agree with what Deputy Kenny said on Internet pornography. This matter was raised at the respective Ministerial Council but it is something to which heads of state need to pay more attention. ODA was not on the agenda. This matter will be taken care of at a ministerial meeting.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I will, provided I am not interrupted when I speak.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: With due respect, that issue is not pertinent to the debate we are having.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I ask the Chair to ask the Deputy to keep to the topic to which we are referring.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: There is no mention at all of nuclear energy.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I say categorically the Government is against nuclear power. Twisting it in any way would be incorrect. We will not allow nuclear power to be used in this country.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I assure the Deputy that is the case. The Deputy referred to Guantanamo Bay. We raised the matter and were one of a number of countries that exhorted the Presidency to issue a statement on the continuation and hopeful closure of Guantanamo Bay.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The fact that we did not get a mention does not mean we did not say anything. It goes back to what Deputy Quinn, with whom I agree, said on the transparency of these meetings.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: On the Lisbon Agenda, oversight lies with the Department of the Taoiseach at assistant secretary level. It is obviously continually examined by the Cabinet sub-committee on European affairs. The Deputy referred to research and development. In the examination of that issue in terms of whether it is GNP or GDP, GNP is a more realistic target from our point of view because of the transfers. As...

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: Reference was made to the ETA ceasefire. I specifically raised the matter and complimented the Spanish Government on the way in which it facilitated the ceasefire. I suggested that if the Spanish Government wants any assistance from us through the Irish example, we would be more than willing. Subsequently, Prime Minister Zapatero indicated to the Taoiseach that he would be interested in...

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: On research policy, the aim is to reach 3.3% of GDP by 2010. This is basically in line with our national——

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: For the Union in general.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: Yes. That is to fit in with our general plans on research. We have allocated €2.6 billion to research and development in the period 2000-06.

European Council: Statements. (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I will provide for the Deputy the information, which I do not have at present. On gender equality, Ireland increased significantly its female participation rate to more than 58% by the end of 2005. We exceeded the Lisbon Agenda target of 57% by 2005 and we are on course to reach the 60% target for female participation in the labour market by 2010. The EU average is 55.7% as at 2004. These...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I have followed with concern the case of Mr. Abdul Rahman who was charged in Afghanistan with apostasy for converting from Islam to Christianity, a charge punishable by death under Sharia law. I am pleased to hear that Mr. Rahman was released from custody in the past couple of days and I welcome reports that he is likely to be accepted by a third country. The EU has been monitoring the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together. I am aware of reports that are circulating on the issues raised. I am unable at present, however, to confirm the reliability of these reports, but I have asked my Department, in particular through the embassy in Beijing, to look into the situation as a matter of urgency and to report back to me. Without prejudice to the outcome of the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I am aware of the Ataka party in Bulgaria. At the most recent election in June 2005 the party received 9% of the vote. It does not form part of the governing coalition and the policies it advocates are not those of the Bulgarian Government. The existence of anti-Roma sentiment is unfortunately a feature of society in parts of central and eastern Europe where most of Europe's Roma live,...

Written Answers — Marriage Certificates: Marriage Certificates (29 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that the applications by the persons to whom he has referred have been approved and that the certificates confirming their freedom to marry have been issued.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (30 Mar 2006)

Dermot Ahern: One member of the staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs was on suspension with pay on 31 December 2005. The officer's suspension relates to a matter which is being investigated by the Department under the terms of the Civil Service grievance and disciplinary procedures — Department of Finance circular 1/92. No officer was on suspension with pay on 31 December 2004.