Results 43,801-43,820 of 50,917 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Emigration Issues: Emigration Issues (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 106 together. Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States continues to be an important priority for this Government. We are also committed to enhancing our bilateral migration arrangements with the US through the establishment of a reciprocal two year renewable visa scheme, known as the E3 visa, and the further development of...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 103 together. On 21 January, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Swedish Government had decided to close a number of Embassies, including its Embassy in Dublin. The Irish Government very much regrets this decision, and I made this clear to my Swedish counterpart, Mr. Carl Bildt, when he telephoned me to communicate the decision...

Written Answers — Product Labelling: Product Labelling (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: As I have stressed in this House on many occasions, the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories represents a primary impediment to the two-State solution. It both prejudges the outcome of final status negotiations and undermines the fundamental viability of a Palestinian State. I also firmly believe that it weakens the standing of moderate...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: The persistence of the conflict in Darfur, albeit at a lower level than the intense violence of 2003-2004, and the ongoing suffering of the people in the region are of grave concern. The UN estimates that the past seven years of conflict there have resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 people and the displacement of nearly three million. In March 2009, a Pre-Trial Chamber of the...

Written Answers — Haiti Earthquake: Haiti Earthquake (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 90, 99, 104, 108, 112, 127 and 147 together. A major international relief effort is continuing in Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 12 January. The Government of Haiti estimates that well over 200,000 people died in the earthquake. Approximately 1.2 million people are believed to be living in temporary shelter in and around Port au Prince,...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions 91 and 146 together. I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question 72 of today. "I have paid particular attention to the worsening conditions in Gaza, even before the conflict one year ago. I have stressed the humanitarian needs of the population, and the urgent necessity to end the blockade and open the border crossings, not only to unrestricted...

Written Answers — Holocaust Commemoration: Holocaust Commemoration (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: The 65th anniversary of the liberation of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945 by the Soviet army, which fell on 27 January, recalls one of the darkest periods of European history and also reminds us of how far Europe has come since then. The Holocaust serves as a constant reminder of the need for all countries to work together in the protection and promotion of human...

Written Answers — EU Council Meetings: EU Council Meetings (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy will recall that under the Lisbon Treaty, the General Affairs and External Relations Council has now been divided into two parts: the General Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Councils. Due to the Hillsborough talks, I was unable to attend the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, 25 January, which was chaired by Catherine Ashton, the High...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 144 and 145 together. I am aware of the findings of the Permanent People's Tribunal on Sri Lanka, the independent, NGO-led exercise held in Dublin last month which concluded that the Government and military of Sri Lanka were guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war and that other charges should be followed up through further...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 364 to 367, inclusive, together. The search for peace in the Middle East is a major foreign policy priority for Ireland and for the European Union. Ireland, and its EU partners have been to the fore in promoting the vision of a settlement which will result in two sovereign states, Israel and Palestine, co-existing side by side in peace and security....

Written Answers — EU Matters: EU Matters (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 114 together. My Government colleagues and I are committed to the ongoing task of keeping the public informed of the operations of the EU and supporting increased engagement by our citizens with European issues. The revised Programme for Government agreed in October contains a express commitment to further enhance Ireland's place at the heart of Europe...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: Uganda is one of the nine Programme Countries where Ireland has a commitment to long term strategic assistance. The programme is focused on supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in Uganda while a central component of our work is support for good governance and respect for human rights. I am very concerned about the implications of the Private Members Bill which was tabled in the Ugandan...

Written Answers — UN Resolutions: UN Resolutions (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 137 and 140 together. International concerns about the nature and aims of Iran's nuclear programme, which are shared by Ireland, have been the focus of diplomatic efforts for some years. The EU has been actively engaged with the Iranian authorities since 2004 in trying to reach a satisfactory resolution of this issue. This EU commitment was repeated in...

Written Answers — European External Action Service: European External Action Service (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 143 together. Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, Irish Foreign Policy will continue to be conducted within the overall context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The European External Action Service (EEAS) is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty to support the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs...

Written Answers — Haiti Earthquake: Haiti Earthquake (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 118 and 136 together. The tragic consequences of the earthquake in Haiti on 12 January have underlined the importance of early and sustained coordination in the response of the international community to humanitarian emergencies. The international humanitarian system has undergone fundamental reform since 2004. Important lessons have been learned from...

Written Answers — Democratic Stability: Democratic Stability (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: On 29 November 2009, Presidential elections took place in Honduras. The National Party (PN) candidate, Porfirio Lobo, was declared the winner with 56% of the vote and took office on 17 January. The elections took place against the backdrop of a military coup, which saw then President Manuel Zelaya forced out of office and then President of the National Congress, Roberto Micheletti declared...

Written Answers — EU Treaties: EU Treaties (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: The Lisbon Treaty is in force for little more than two months but the question is timely. The European Council met last Thursday, at the initiative of its new President appointed under the Lisbon Treaty, to frame a strategy for Europe's economic recovery. Under the Treaty, the European Council sets the EU's strategic priorities and gives them political impetus at the highest level. President...

Written Answers — Economic Forum: Economic Forum (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 134 together. The Global Irish Economic Forum marked a new phase in active and practical engagement with some of the most influential members of the Irish abroad. I was deeply encouraged by the level of commitment and support for this country demonstrated by those who travelled to Farmleigh. The Government has moved quickly to build on the success of...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: EU relations with Colombia are conducted in the framework of regional relations between the EU and the Andean Community, comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In 2007, negotiations aimed at concluding a comprehensive Association Agreement between the EU and the Andean Community were formally launched. Such Agreements cover all facets of relations between the EU and these countries,...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (16 Feb 2010)

Micheál Martin: In March 2009, the Taoiseach in Washington offered to assist the United States in implementing their commitment to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. In this context, two former detainees have been received for resettlement in Ireland. They arrived in Ireland in late September 2009. Together with our EU partners, Ireland continues to encourage the US to bring about the closure of...