Results 44,321-44,340 of 51,063 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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.

EU Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I would have believed the Deputy would have had some insight into the position of the European People's Party.

EU Appointments. (18 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I hope there will be a development tomorrow night because it is important, in terms of the timeframe, that there be clarity and certainty on this question. There may not be a development. Tomorrow evening will be interesting.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (17 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together. Ireland and our EU partners continue to pay close attention to the situation of Iraqi refugees, of whom there are estimated to be in excess of 2 million. We are particularly concerned by the large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons, and by the burden being borne by neighbouring states, especially Jordan and Syria....

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (17 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the US continues to be a high priority of this Government. We are also committed to developing our bilateral migration arrangements with the United States, through the establishment of a reciprocal two year renewable E3 visa scheme. In discussions with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, during her visit to Ireland in October, I stressed...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (17 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Passport Office may only issue passports to Irish citizens. Accordingly, each application is considered with reference to Irish citizenship law and more recently with the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008. The person in question was born in the State on 8 February, 2007. Her entitlement to citizenship is governed by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004 ("the 2004 Act")....

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (17 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: On Friday, 2 October the Irish people gave a ringing endorsement to the proposal to amend the Constitution of Ireland in order to allow Ireland to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. The referendum was supported by 67.13% of those who voted in a turnout of 59% of voters. The full result of the referendum was published in Issue no. 80 of Iris Oifigiúil on Tuesday 6 October. Dáil Éireann approved the...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (17 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I am not aware of any plan such as that referred to by the Deputy, which would, in any event, be an operational matter for the Department of Transport.

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (10 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has not concluded a Status of Forces Agreement with the United States. United States military personnel and persons engaged in business in Ireland are subject to Irish law in the same manner and to the same extent as all other persons. The only exception relates to military personnel attached to the Embassy of the United States and duly accredited under the Vienna Convention on...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners in maintaining a consistent approach to Zimbabwe. The EU operates targeted restrictive measures against individuals and businesses which have supported or participated in the destruction wrought by President Mugabe and his close associates within ZANU PF. I am concerned at reports of a commercial involvement between the company referred to and...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (10 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The total number of staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs at principal officer level or higher on 1 May 2009 was 139.

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (10 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Government does not consider that trade or other embargoes on Israel would contribute to the search for peace in the Middle East. I have made it clear that there is no prospect of reaching consensus at EU level in favour of such a policy. In these circumstances, to link this issue with the discussion of the Goldstone report serves to make more difficult a clear and constructive...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (10 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Government has made it clear in international debates at the Human Rights Council in Geneva and most recently at the UN General Assembly in New York, that it supports the Goldstone report and attaches importance to it. Ireland was one of five EU member states to vote in support of the resolution on the report at the UN General Assembly last week. The report is a complex and detailed...

Written Answers — Irish United Nations Association: Irish United Nations Association (10 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: The Irish United Nations Association is a non-governmental organisation that is based in Dublin. Its objectives are to promote the aims and activities of the United Nations and its specialised agencies in Ireland. The association has received funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs since 1972. In addition to this funding, my Department has also provided support to the association in...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (5 Nov 2009)

Micheál Martin: I refer the Deputy to my reply to question 772 of the 3rd November as outlined below: 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,...