Results 3,901-3,920 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Leaders' Questions (29 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: It would be advisable for Sinn Féin to at least await the announcement of the budget before it starts charging in, attacking what it thinks are elements of it.

Leaders' Questions (29 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The party should at least await the announcement by the Minister for Finance on budget day. The budget will be a difficult one, although I note that Sinn Féin in its pre-budget submission acknowledges, on this occasion at least, that an adjustment of €3.5 billion will have to be made this year. Deputy McDonald can rest assured that the budgetary measures introduced by the Minister...

Leaders' Questions (29 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Minister for Health will examine the results of the INMO study when published. Without the full details of how the work was undertaken and the findings, it is not possible to comment in detail on the study at this point. I am aware that other studies have cited figures which suggest Ireland has a more favourable nurse to patient ratio than in the United Kingdom. The Government has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Investment Properties (29 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am aware of the case regarding investment properties in Turkey to which the Deputy refers. My Department has received a number of representations on the issue. The Irish Embassy in Ankara has been asked to raise the issue and has written to the relevant Turkish Authorities detailing the concerns of Irish citizens. However, the Deputy will be aware that the role of the Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Adviser Pay (28 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Two Special Advisers assist me in the performance of my duties as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In addition, a Chief Adviser and an Economic Adviser are assigned to the Office of the Tánaiste to support me in the exercise of my whole-of-Government responsibilities. A Special Adviser is assigned to the Minister of State for European Affairs at Departments of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Conflict (28 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 to 59, inclusive, together. In relation to the recent conflict in and around Gaza, I refer the Deputy to my public statements of 15 and 18 November, the Conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 19 November, and to my reply to Question 189 [53032/12] on 27 November. I have made clear, both on this occasion and in previous discussions with the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Presidency (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: With Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union starting in just under five weeks, I will continue to discuss the priority issues for our Presidency with our partners. At all my meetings I shall emphasise that the main focus of the Irish Presidency will be on measures to create jobs and restore growth in Europe. I will also take the opportunity to discuss the busy...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Budget (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together. In the negotiations on the EU Budget Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) Ireland has argued for a properly funded and properly functioning EU, with the right mix of priorities, fair allocation of resources and a focus on jobs and growth. Ensuring a properly-funded Common Agricultural Policy is central to this. Negotiations on the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Import Regulations (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The matter concerned falls within the responsibility of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am fully conscious of Ireland’s obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law. My Department has received and examined a number of legal opinions on this issue commissioned by NGOs. The legal issues which they raise had already been considered by my Department in advising me on this issue. I remain satisfied that a ban on settlement products can...

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

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together. I am deeply concerned about the recent misappropriation of €4 million of Irish development funding in Uganda. Ireland has no tolerance for fraud or any other form of financial irregularity in relation to our development programme. I have suspended approximately €16 million of Irish development assistance which was due to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The promotion and safeguarding of human rights, particularly those of minority groups, is a central element of Ireland’s foreign policy. I share the widespread concerns about the difficult situation faced by the LGBT community in Uganda and certain other countries in the region. I am particularly concerned about developments in relation to the draft Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which was...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade with Israel (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland’s exports to Israel currently amount to nearly €900mn per annum. Israel is an important trading partner. Under its trade promotion strategy, the Government is committed to growing Ireland’s exports in all foreign markets and expanding our trade footprint outside our main trading partners. All relevant state agencies and semi-state bodies are thus engaged with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Remuneration (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. Annual remuneration of staff at 31 December 2011 Number of staff Grades Salary Bands None - €400,000 and above None - €300,000 - €399,999 1 Secretary General €200,000 - €299,999 7 2 Second Secretary 3 Deputy Secretary 1 Chief Adviser to the Tánaiste 1...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Remuneration (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Secretary General of my Department is the only member of staff in my Department with a salary exceeding €200,000. He voluntarily surrenders €15,590 of his notional annual salary of €215,590. He does so without me having spoken to him on the matter. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am aware of the recent announcement by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) of a ceasefire for a two month period as of 20th November 2012. We in Ireland appreciate the responsibility that rests on all parties to these negotiations. We understand very well the challenges, the opportunities and the imperative of peace building and welcome any action taken to spare the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: This passport was produced on 15 October 2012 and is in the Passport Office Molesworth St awaiting collection.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (27 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: In statements on 15 and 18 November, I expressed my deep concern at the upsurge of conflict in and around Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and an ending of attacks in both directions. On 19 November, I discussed the situation in Gaza with my EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council, and the Council issued Conclusions on this issue. The Council also supported the efforts of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (22 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I understand that the Ambassador of Finland to the Holy See is appointed on a non-resident basis, similar to our own. As I have stated consistently, the decision to close Ireland’s 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...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Immigration Policy (22 Nov 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I wish to advise the Deputy that the visa and immigration requirements for foreign countries are solely a matter for the appropriate authorities in those countries and outside of my remit. Visa and immigration matters, both legislation and policy, in this jurisdiction are a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.