Results 2,141-2,160 of 7,777 for speaker:Joe Costello

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (27 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: In 2011, Ireland provided a total of €657 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA). Approximately €520 million was administered by my Department through Irish Aid with the balance consisting of ODA eligible contributions by other Government Departments and Ireland’s share of the EU development cooperation budget. The total of €657 million in 2011 includes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (27 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: The Government’s aid programme, which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is sharply focused on the fight against global poverty and hunger.It is recognised internationally for its effectiveness, and for its concentration on some of the poorest countries and communities, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Our partnership with Non-Governmental...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Red Cross (27 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together. My Department is aware that the Irish Red Cross has recently undertaken a comprehensive reform of its internal governance structures. However, as the Deputy will know, issues related to the internal governance of the Irish Red Cross fall under the mandate of my colleague, the Minister for Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D. The engagement of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (14 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: Vietnam is a priority country for Ireland’s aid programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. I visited Vietnam from 28 to 31 October to see the impact of the aid programme, to promote trade between our two countries, and to support a number of key Irish companies working in Vietnam. I met with senior Ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Hai, the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Meetings (14 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: A key factor in running a successful Presidency in the area of development cooperation is the building of strong relationships with the EU institutions - the European External Action Service, the European Parliament and the Commission. Over the past six months, I have held extensive discussions with the institutions, and especially with Development Commissioner Piebalgs and Humanitarian...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (14 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: Since the Millennium Development Goals were agreed by global community in 2000, the number of people living in extreme poverty has fallen significantly – including in sub Saharan Africa where rates were highest. Since this time many more children have access to safe water; more girls and boys are attending school, and far fewer people are dying of preventable illness such as malaria...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (14 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: On 10 October the European Commission published its annual Enlargement Strategy including Progress Reports on each of the countries of the Western Balkans. The substance of the reports will be discussed by the General Affairs Council and European Council in December. The decisions reached by the Council will shape the agenda on the EU’s enlargement policy during Ireland’s...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (14 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: One year on from the devastating famine and food crisis which killed tens of thousands of people across the Horn of Africa, the humanitarian situation across much of the region remains extremely fragile. While a huge relief effort, followed by good rains last autumn, saved hundreds of thousands of lives, the crisis forced many more from their homes, devastated their livelihoods and left them...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Election Monitoring Missions (13 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together. International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (6 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: Ireland has had a bilateral aid programme with Uganda since 1994. Since starting our work in Uganda, we have witnessed huge improvements in the quality of life for the Ugandan people. Peace has returned to most of the country after generations of war. There are now 8.3 million pupils in primary schools compared to 2.5 million in 1997. The HIV prevalence rate has been reduced dramatically...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (6 Nov 2012)

Joe Costello: Ireland’s aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger. Every day it saves lives and builds capacity for the future – making a real difference in the lives of millions. The programme is central to our foreign policy, has an enviable international reputation, and consistently enjoys strong political and public support. Over the past five years, and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (24 Oct 2012)

Joe Costello: Ireland’s aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger. Every day it saves lives and builds capacity for the future – making a real difference in the lives of millions. The programme is central to our foreign policy, has an enviable international reputation, and consistently enjoys strong political and public support. For 2012, the Government has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Oversight (18 Oct 2012)

Joe Costello: Ireland’s aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger. Every day it saves lives and builds capacity for the future – making a real difference in the lives of millions. The programme is central to our foreign policy, has an enviable international reputation, and consistently enjoys strong political and public support. Our Programme for Government...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (3 Oct 2012)

Joe Costello: Ireland’s aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger. Every day it saves lives and builds capacity for the future. The programme is central to our foreign policy, enjoys strong support across the political spectrum and has an enviable international reputation.It reflects the values of the Irish people and is strongly supported by the public. This is clearly...

An Bille um an Aonú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Leanaí) 2012: An Dara Céim (Atógáil) - Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Sep 2012)

Joe Costello: I wish to share time with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton.

An Bille um an Aonú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Leanaí) 2012: An Dara Céim (Atógáil) - Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Sep 2012)

Joe Costello: I wish to follow on from the final point made by Deputy Fleming, that there should be a good turnout on 10 November to show the priorities of the people and that they are fully supportive of what we propose. I compliment the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on the great work she has done in a short space of time to bring all of the elements of the...

An Bille um an Aonú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Leanaí) 2012: An Dara Céim (Atógáil) - Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Sep 2012)

Joe Costello: I wish to share time with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton.

An Bille um an Aonú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Leanaí) 2012: An Dara Céim (Atógáil) - Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Sep 2012)

Joe Costello: I wish to follow on from the final point made by Deputy Fleming, that there should be a good turnout on 10 November to show the priorities of the people and that they are fully supportive of what we propose. I compliment the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on the great work she has done in a short space of time to bring all of the elements of the...

Leaders' Questions (26 Sep 2012)

Joe Costello: It is not a Council decision.

Seanad: Syrian Conflict: Statements (25 Sep 2012)

Joe Costello: I thank the Senators for their incisive and knowledgeable input. They have given me some awkward questions which I will answer to the best of my ability. I thank Senators Leyden, Mullen, Higgins, Mac Conghail, Healy Eames, Mooney, Heffernan, Reilly, Colm Burke and O'Keeffe for their contributions. Rather than go over what each said, I will try to cover the themes as I introduced them. I...