Results 3,101-3,120 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (20 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I had the pleasure of meeting with the Syrian National Coalition President, Dr Al Khatib, when he addressed the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 10 December. Subsequently, my colleague Joe Costello T.D., Minister of State for Trade and Development, met briefly with Dr Al Khatib and his colleagues at the Friends of Syria meeting in Marrakesh on 12 December. It was suggested that a meeting in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (20 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, together. It is clear that the humanitarian situation in Syria is deteriorating rapidly, causing further suffering and untold hardship for over four million people affected by the crisis. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) estimates that almost 70,000 people have been killed as a result of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (20 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: As I have stated consistently, the decision to close the resident Embassy to the Holy See will not be reversed in the immediate term. However, in the context of the budgetary situation, I will continue to review the deployment of our diplomatic resources overseas. Any discussions with the Holy See on arrangements whereby it might be possible to re-establish a resident Embassy at a future...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations Resolutions (20 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) has been the subject of resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, as well as its special committee on decolonisation. In its most recent resolution, adopted on 14 June 2012, the committee expressed its regret that, in spite of the widespread international support for negotiation between the two Governments,...

European Council: Statements (13 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Which side would the Deputy take on that question?

European Council: Statements (13 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Deputies who have contributed to this debate. As the Taoiseach said at the outset, the European Council will have an important focus on implementation. Shining a light on the ongoing need for implementation of the many measures which have already been agreed at EU level will represent an important outcome for Ireland and for the Union as a whole. In preparation for this week's...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Application Numbers (13 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The total number of passport applications processed for the period 2010 to 11 March 2013 is detailed as follows: Year Applications 2010 675,324 2011 679,946 2012 714,744 To 11 March 2013 135,525 Demand for passport services is highly seasonal, with almost 50% of applications being received in the four months April – July each year. Therefore the Department employs temporary...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Emigrant Support Services (13 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The 2013 grant round opened on 16 January and closed on 20 February with applications for 358 projects received from 17 countries. The assessment process, which is carried out in conjunction with our missions abroad, is now underway. The focus of the 2013 grants will be on supporting key frontline welfare and advisory services and on projects aimed at supporting new arrivals. I am pleased...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (13 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: 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. Our partnership with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) represents a very important element in this effort. Trócaire is one of a number of Irish NGOs that receives Irish Aid funding for its work to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (12 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. As this is a bilateral consular issue between the US and the Cuban authorities, the Government has no standing in the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (12 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 to 142, inclusive, together. No costs have been incurred by my Department in respect of the provision of ICT facilities at the homes of the Ministers of State. The Department provides me with a fax machine in my home for official business purposes. The cost of this service to date is €1,351, including installation. My constituency office and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (12 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Listed in tabular format are the details of the cost of drivers for each Minister of State at my Department in the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. The figures reflect the motor travel allowances claimed for official travel undertaken, subject to guidelines as set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Subsistence amounts paid to drivers and the salaries paid to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (12 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: My Department, which is responsible for Vote 27 (International Cooperation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs), operates a restrictive policy for the use of corporate credit cards for official expenditure. There are currently 6 official credit cards in use by my Department in Ireland and 13 in use by Missions abroad. The use of official credit cards may be permitted for officials who, because of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (12 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I welcome the recent progress in efforts to secure a durable solution to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In particular, I welcome the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the DRC and the Region, which was concluded in Addis Ababa on 24 February, in the presence of the UN Secretary General. This important Agreement was reached by the Government of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Presidential Distinguished Service Awards (12 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: My Department recently commenced the process of seeking nominations for the 2013 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad. Individuals abroad can make nominations through one of our diplomatic Missions. Nominees for this Award will be drawn from the following areas of achievement: Irish community support; Arts, culture and sport; charitable works, business and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (12 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Since the outbreak of street violence in early December, I have had frequent contact with the party leaders within the Northern Ireland Executive. While the situation regarding the flag protests has been calmer in recent weeks, we remain fully engaged in our support of the work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The persistence of sectarianism in Northern Ireland, with the absence...

Order of Business (7 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: It is proposed to take No. 16a, motion re ministerial rota for parliamentary questions; No. 29, Water Services Bill 2013 [Seanad] - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 3, Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2013 [Seanad] - Second and Subsequent Stages; and No. 2 - Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 [Seanad] - Second Stage (Resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything...

Order of Business (7 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I wish to make two points. First, the Government is anxious that Deputies would have plenty of opportunity to debate Bills, but we require some co-operation from the Opposition. For example, I offered additional time last week in respect of the property tax issue, but it was turned down. On the issue-----

Order of Business (7 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Ceann Comhairle. We have offered in the course of some debates additional time, which has either been-----

Order of Business (7 Mar 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: -----turned down or not used.