Results 44,201-44,220 of 50,917 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy is aware, Cuba is undergoing a major transformation, and its relations with the EU have entered a new phase. Given this new context, I visited Cuba in February of this year and discussed a wide range of political, economic and social issues, including human rights. Following that visit, we are now examining how we might strengthen our bilateral relationship with Cuba and work is...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the arrest of seven Saharawi human rights activists in Casablanca, Morocco, on 8 October this year. I understand that Moroccan police arrested the group at Casablanca Airport, on their return from a visit to the Saharawi refugee camps in South Western Algeria. While the Moroccan police authorities have confirmed the arrest, there are no further official details on the group's...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I visited Washington and New York from 14-18 October 2009. During my visit, I met with American politicians, members of the Irish community and the wider business community, including with clients of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. Every effort was made to promote Irish-American political, economic and cultural relations during the visit. I addressed the European Institute in Washington on...

Written Answers — Afghan Election: Afghan Election (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: On 20 October, some two months after the first round of voting in the Afghanistan Presidential and provincial elections on 20 August, official results for the Presidential election were announced by the Independent Election Commission. Results are still awaited in the provincial elections. On the basis of preliminary results released in mid-September, President Karzai had declared himself...

Written Answers — Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian Assistance (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I have not been contacted by any charitable group in connection with this convoy. However, I have had enquiries made with the Egyptian authorities in relation to it. I understand that the convoy in question is a very large shipment of aid organised by Palestinian groups in a number of European countries, primarily the UK. It was organised in proper consultation with the Egyptian authorities,...

Seanad: Developments in Northern Ireland: Statements (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the House on Northern Ireland matters. As the Taoiseach indicated when he appeared before this House in July, it is important to acknowledge our collective achievements in bringing peace to this island while also guarding against complacency. At the heart of everything we have achieved, as well as our current work and all that we hope to do, is...

Seanad: Developments in Northern Ireland: Statements (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I thank Senators who contributed to the debate and note the difficulty created by the short timeframe for the debate. I have undertaken with the Leader and other Senators to make a debate on Northern Ireland and other issues a regular feature of my Department's engagement with the House. We can learn lessons from this debate but it has been a good start. Senators are assured of my...

Seanad: Developments in Northern Ireland: Statements (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The only relevance of the debate about the future of the House arises in the context of the architecture we have established in Northern Ireland through the peace process to achieve balance between different perspectives and opinions. The reason we had strands one, two and three and insisted on decision by power-sharing and cross-community representation was to ensure we could facilitate the...

Seanad: Developments in Northern Ireland: Statements (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: -----the broadband issue. We have made good responses to some of the representations on Lough Foyle. Heads should not be nodded in the negative because my officials have worked extremely hard on the ferry service. It has been very effective. The issue is how we manage this and all work together to realise the potential which is there. Senator Boyle identified the need for a stronger role...

Seanad: Developments in Northern Ireland: Statements (3 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I am glad to know the Senator has spare time to look at documentaries and so on. It is refreshing.

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: There are no state agencies operating under the responsibility of my Department. However, there are currently three bodies, which operate under the aegis of my Department: the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (previously known as Díon); and the Fulbright Commission (The Board of the Ireland – United States Commission for...

Written Answers — Police Investigation: Police Investigation (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together. At the outset, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family on the death of the person mentioned by him. My thoughts are with them during what is a very difficult time for them. My Department, through both the Consular Section in Dublin and our Embassy in Madrid, was in contact with the family of the person concerned during...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Government is concerned about the recent reports of violent incidents in Camp Ashraf and also the more general predicament of its residents. Camp Ashraf is home to over 3,000 members of the People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI), an Iranian opposition group that established itself in Iraq in 1986 at the invitation of Saddam Hussein. However, following the war in 2003 and the collapse of the...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Government remains determinedly committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday and St. Andrew's Agreements. A specific Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is a central and vital provision of the Good Friday Agreement. In this context, the Government has consistently looked for early progress on the issue. As the Deputy is aware, the...

European Union Bill 2009: Second Stage (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: Unless we are going there on holidays.

European Union Bill 2009: Second Stage (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Roche is constantly developing and expanding his capacity to receive e-mails.

European Union Bill 2009: Second Stage (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: That issue was dealt with then and this provision is to update the position.

European Union Bill 2009: Second Stage (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: Yes.

European Union Bill 2009: Second Stage (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: That is correct. It is nothing more or less than that. People who took certain positions in 2007 can hold them today also.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Micheál Martin: There is no hope of that.