Results 2,221-2,240 of 7,777 for speaker:Joe Costello

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (22 May 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 in sub-Saharan Africa. Irish Aid channels a higher proportion of overall assistance...

Foreign Conflicts (22 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 117, 127, 134, 158, 160, 164 to 167, inclusive, 181, 185 and 201 together. The Government continues to monitor and respond to the humanitarian needs generated by a number of conflicts and protracted crises in Africa, notably those in Sudan, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Somalia and the Sahel. Almost one year on from the peak of the Horn of Africa...

Foreign Conflicts (22 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I thank the Deputy for the compliments in respect of the activities in which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is engaged. Certainly, the entire Horn of Africa and Sahel region is difficult. Moreover, it is bedevilled by conflicts in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan and by the number of displaced people, the dangers of famine and the disruption that is taking place. Furthermore, it...

Foreign Conflicts (22 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I thank Members for their questions. There is no doubt but that the Ethiopian model can be used by neighbouring states. Members will recall that during the time of "Live Aid" millions of people in Ethiopia were dying. Now, because of work done by NGOs, in particular the active role played by Irish Aid, Irish NGOs and funding provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a safety...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (17 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 28, 32, 34, 36, 37 and 41 together. The Government is gravely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in several areas of Sudan, most notably in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, where an estimated 350,000 civilians have been severely affected by fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudanese People's Liberation...

Written Answers — International Election Monitoring Missions: International Election Monitoring Missions (17 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together. The Government believes that international election monitoring missions have an important role to play in the promotion of human rights and democracy, and 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...

Written Answers — UN Commission on Population and Development: UN Commission on Population and Development (15 May 2012)

Joe Costello: The 2012 session of the UN Commission on Population and Development was held last month in New York. The theme of this year's session was 'Adolescents and Youth'. Ireland was represented by officials from my Department. As is customary, there was close coordination between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Health in relation to Ireland's input into the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (15 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together. The Government shares the grave concerns expressed by both Deputies for the welfare of the people in South Kordofan and the Nuba Mountains in Sudan. Prolonged fighting since the beginning of June 2011 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N rebel group), in Sudan's South Kordofan...

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (10 May 2012)

Joe Costello: My Department, through our aid programme known as Irish Aid, provides funding to a number of key multilateral agencies whose policies and priorities align well with those of Irish Aid in the fight against global hunger, poverty alleviation and emergency response. While the precise percentages differ from year to year, on average approximately 30% of the development programme is delivered...

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (10 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together. Ireland's development assistance programme, which is administered by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has been recognised consistently by independent observers as one of the most effective in the world. It is focused on the fight against poverty and hunger in the poorest countries and communities, working in...

Ireland's Chairmanship-in-Office of the OSCE: Statements (10 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I welcome the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to the issues raised by Deputies. The contributions have been of a high quality and revealed considerable engagement by Members in these matters. I also welcome the Russian ambassador, who has been following the debate. In regard to Deputy Eric Byrne's comment about limited public...

Departmental Staff (10 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I assure the Deputy that it is not proposed to close the social welfare office in Castletownbere. The Department of Social Protection is very conscious of the need to provide efficient and effective customer services at a local level throughout the country for clients while managing services with diminishing resources. The Department has...

Departmental Staff (10 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I repeat that the Castletownbere office will not be closed and that where vacancies arise, they will be filled. The matter will be kept under continuous review. I have noted the Deputy's comments with regard to reviewing the workings of the Castletownbere office and his suggestion for a one-stop shop. I will bring those comments to the attention of the Minister.

Written Answers — Overseas Development Aid: Overseas Development Aid (9 May 2012)

Joe Costello: In recent years approximately 80% of Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget has been allocated to Vote 27 – International Cooperation which is managed by my Department through its external delivery vehicle, Irish Aid. The remaining 20% is accounted for through ODA eligible contributions by other Government Departments and Ireland's share of the EU Development Cooperation...

Seanad: Review of White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I thank the Senators for their contributions. This has been a very wide-ranging and questioning debate and it has come at an appropriate time. We have just completed the review of the White Paper. The deadline for submissions was the end of last month but the odd one is still being submitted. There are approximately 150 formal written submissions and some have used social media. Many...

Seanad: Review of White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 May 2012)

Joe Costello: The establishment of the Shannon hub forms part of the programme of Government and, therefore, the Government is committed to pursuing it. I have asked for a feasibility study to be undertaken to progress it. The tenders are in and it will take approximately two months to come up with the report. Those involved will consult widely, including with those in the new set-up at Shannon Airport...

Seanad: Review of White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 May 2012)

Joe Costello: Senator Brennan made a point about President Banda. I do not see why we could not invite her. She has a good track record and has been a strong human rights activist in the past. Two months ago I was in Malawi where there are human rights problems but I believe she will do a good deal. She has already stated that she will address these issues. I should have referred to that matter and to...

Seanad: Review of White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 May 2012)

Joe Costello: No, that issue did not come up. I do not believe that is an issue in Malawi. One issue raised was the fact that in 2010 Malawi passed a Bill making lesbianism illegal. They passed the legislation because they already had an Act which made homosexuality illegal and they sought to provide equality in respect of making female homosexuality illegal as well. We explained to the Minister the...

Seanad: Review of White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 May 2012)

Joe Costello: It is a pleasure to be in the Seanad again to address this august assembly of Senators in the Upper House. I am grateful for the opportunity to address the Seanad and to seek its views on the review of the White Paper on Irish Aid. Members of the Seanad play an important role in supporting our efforts to reduce global poverty. Many Members have served on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on...

Human Rights Issues (3 May 2012)

Joe Costello: I thank both Deputies for putting the case for prisoners' in Maghaberry Prison so succinctly. The Government is aware of a number of concerns which have been expressed regarding human rights conditions of prisoners currently being held in Maghaberry Prison in Northern Ireland. The Tánaiste has raised the issue with authorities in Northern Ireland on a number of occasions, most recently on...