Results 3,561-3,580 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: It needs to be made clear that this man's case is due to be heard by the Supreme Court in Belfast shortly. It would not be appropriate to have a public discussion on the merits or otherwise of that case in advance of it being heard. I am very much aware of the cases of a number of prisoners in Northern Ireland. I have discussed them with the current Secretary of State and her predecessor....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Of course I am willing to meet the delegation that travelled to Northern Ireland. As the Deputy has acknowledged, there has been some confusion about the logistical arrangements for the meeting. I would be quite happy to have the meeting as quickly as it can be arranged. I would be particularly interested to hear the assessment of the delegation that visited the prison. I must make it...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Over 3,500 people died during the Troubles. The pain that their relatives and friends continue to endure to this day is considerable. There is no hierarchy of loss or grief for these families. They all seek the truth of what happened to their relatives. The Finucane family is no different in this regard. The Government continues to seek a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The British Government is aware of the Government's position on this issue. The Taoiseach has communicated that directly to Prime Minister Cameron and I have communicated it directly to Secretary of State Villiers. When I have had an opportunity to do so, I have raised it with Deputy Prime Minister Clegg and Foreign Minister Hague as well. The British Government decided not to hold a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Use of Non-Conventional Weapons (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: We must deal with what we know. I would like to make it clear that non-conventional weapons should not be used at all. We do not have evidence that they were used, but we do have evidence of the considerable damage and deaths caused by the use of conventional weapons. Ireland was in direct contact with the Israeli authorities throughout the crisis, both through the ambassador here and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Use of Non-Conventional Weapons (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: My officials and I are open to receiving first-hand information, particularly from people working on the ground. Apart from that, this is a foreign policy issue which is a priority for the Government. I expect the Israeli-Palestinian-Middle East peace process will be the subject of discussions again shortly at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council. While the hostilities have now...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland was recently elected to serve as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for a period of three years, which began in January 2013. We have long championed the vital role of the United Nations in the promotion and protection of human rights and will continue to do so as a member of the Human Rights Council. I am aware of the case of the individual mentioned which is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: In recent weeks we have seen widespread street violence in Belfast and elsewhere in Northern Ireland. We have seen attacks on the Police Service of Northern Ireland. including the attempted murder of police officers and widespread attempts to intimidate public representatives and their families. I have condemned these events unreservedly. I have remained in contact with the Secretary of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I agree it is important that politics be seen to work. All of the political parties and political leaders in Northern Ireland work closely together to communicate a clear message that the street violence seen in recent weeks should not continue because it is damaging and unrepresentative of the people of Northern Ireland. We have been working very closely with the Northern Ireland Executive...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: My Department provides support through the peace and reconciliation funds and the anti-sectarianism fund for community-based projects which are aimed at building cross-community relationships in Northern Ireland. We also place a high value on funding from the International Fund for Ireland and the European Union's PEACE programme. One of the Irish asks in the negotiations on the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Use of Non-Conventional Weapons (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: In contrast to the 2009 conflict, no hard evidence has emerged to suggest that Israel used non-conventional weapons in Gaza in November 2012. While claims of this kind have been made, there has been no statement by UN organisations or reputable NGOs on the ground alleging the use of non-conventional weapons. I have not seen any allegation to this effect from the de factoministry of health in...

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The heads of the Bill were cleared in November and we expect the Bill to be brought before the House by the middle of the year.

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Clearly, the Government wants to move ahead with all items of legislation as quickly as possible and the "A" list reflects its priorities. The statement issued by the Chief Whip yesterday clearly identifies a number of items of legislation which are Government priorities.

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: It is intended that the gender recognition Bill will be introduced this year. With regard to ratification of the agreements and the convention on disability, I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to reply directly to the Deputy.

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The important part of the narrative that Deputy Doherty omitted was the announcement last year by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform of a stimulus package worth €2.25 billion, which relates directly to the National Pensions Reserve Fund and the strategic investment fund. The way in which the strategic investment fund and the NPRF will be dealt with is among the issues that...

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: There is no need for Deputy Doherty to get excited. This legislation is being worked on and will be introduced. Certain technical issues have to be ironed out but it is at an advanced stage and will be brought before the House.

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: In regard to the merger of the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority, it is intended that legislation will be published this session. In regard to the other matter, it is the intention to publish the relevant legislation this year.

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: I will check that and have a reply sent to the Deputy. I think it is the DNA database Bill.

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: The heads of the Bill were approved by the Government on 6 November 2012 and dialogue is ongoing with the Office of the Attorney General on further clarifying the functions and scope of services of the agency. The Bill is expected to be published this session.

Order of Business (16 Jan 2013)

Eamon Gilmore: Observations have been received on the draft heads of the children (amendment) Bill and they are currently under consideration. The Bill is expected to be published this year. There is ongoing consideration of the views of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children in respect of the Children First Bill, including significant policy, operational and legal issues. It is expected that...