Results 44,161-44,180 of 50,917 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Diplomatic Representation. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: It is unfortunate that the Deputy would take that tack knowing that it is not the truth.

Diplomatic Representation. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: Not specifically on the issues he has just raised. We had broader discussions on the facilitation of the agreement and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, would have taken the lead role in the negotiation of that. I was in Shannon recently and local people there seemed to be happy with what was put in place. I will now take up the fact that there are teething issues with it but the...

Diplomatic Representation. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I will come back to the Deputy on that and discuss it with him.

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: At the moment, it is not known if the situation in Afghanistan will be discussed at the next EU Council of Ministers meeting in December. The issue was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, and the European Council last month and there was also a further discussion on aspects of EU support to Afghanistan at the GAERC earlier this week. There are currently...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: Do I detect frustration? Yes. This has been discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on many occasions and there is frustration at how governance has evolved in Afghanistan. The view of my colleagues is that there is a pressing need for enhanced governance capacity not just at the centre, but throughout the provinces and the country. Regional governance is...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I would not disagree fundamentally with that. Key to any conflict area is a proper understanding of how society has evolved over time, the cultural context and how to develop structures to accommodate those and respond to them while making progress. There has been a significant review in the EU and also in the USA of the objectives of the mission. That is fundamental because one must...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: We have seven troops currently participating in the United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission, ISAF. They are based in Kabul in a non-combatant role. There are no plans to increase the level of our contribution at present. Our presence in Chad is our major input, with more than 400 troops deployed, a significant deployment that means we do not have the capacity to send any more troops to...

European Union Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 57, 59, 70, 72, 93, 107 and 220 together. The Lisbon treaty provides for the creation of two major new posts, namely, the President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy. These posts will bring greater coherence and continuity to the work of the EU, particularly in its external dimensions. As regards the...

European Union Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: We do not have a nominee for that post.

European Union Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: There are many who would be more than willing.

European Union Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: Could the Deputy repeat that?

European Union Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: Bheadh sé oiriúnach don Aire é sin a chur i bhfeidhm. Tá súil agam go mbeidh an Coimisinéir nua sásta teacht ar ais chuig an Oireachtas chun labhairt leis na Teachtaí Dála agus Seanadóirí go léir le chéíle. Mar a dúirt an Teachta Michael D. Higgins, tá Gaeilge líofa aici. Is iontach an scéal é go mbeidh Coimisinéir againn a mbeidh sásta an teanga náisiúnta a úsáid....

Middle East Peace Process. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Israeli and Palestinian conflict, and the Middle East peace process, are issues of enduring concern to the Irish public, and have been a foreign policy priority for successive Irish Governments for many years. Ireland is an active and vocal participant in discussions on the Middle East at EU and UN level, as well as directly with the main players in the region. I have made two extensive...

Middle East Peace Process. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I would not necessarily accept that we here in the Oireachtas are a contributing factor to the division that naturally occurs on an issue as historic and as ingrained as this.

Middle East Peace Process. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: That would be my position. On the other hand, I have no difficulty at all in facilitating engagement between people on the issue and I look forward to the receipt of proposals. On the point I made earlier, any structure or forum we establish invariably will draw the very same divisions to the fore but only in the context of another theatre. What I would be interested in ascertaining from...

Middle East Peace Process. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I look forward to receiving the presentation of a proposal from Deputy Timmins. I undertake to work with him and others in the House to see if we can put flesh on the bone of his suggestion.

EU Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Lisbon Treaty provides for the creation of two major new posts: the President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy. These posts will bring greater coherence and continuity to the work of the EU, particularly in its external dimensions. The President of the European Council will chair that body, driving forward its work and ensuring...

EU Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy's last comment is unfair. I have been a strong admirer of Mr. John Bruton, particularly in his role as European Union ambassador to the United States. This arose because of the present Taoiseach's proactive engagement with former Commissioner Patten on the idea of having a political figure hold the position of ambassador in Washington. It was a very good display of political...

EU Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: It is a fact and the Deputies should acknowledge it. That is how ambassador Bruton was helped to get the position. He has done his job well. The idea was that, because of Ireland's historic engagement with the United States and capacity to "work the Hill", an Irish political figure, particularly a former Taoiseach, would be an ideal EU ambassador to the United States and would be able to...

EU Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: People are keeping their cards very close to their chests, particularly the leaders of the leading countries, including France and Germany.