Results 45,381-45,400 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

European Neighbourhood Policy. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy can describe these events however he likes but they did not give rise to a fully transparent market. Much of the asset privatisation which took place following the fall of the Soviet empire was unacceptable. The process gave rise to some difficult questions. Fundamentally, the EU's engagement with our eastern partners is informed by a genuine commitment to human rights, systems...

European Neighbourhood Policy. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: He certainly has. Deputy Timmins asked whether we are being lobbied.

European Neighbourhood Policy. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I will deal with Kosovo in reply to Deputy Michael D. Higgins's question. In regard to perspectives on our decision on the Lisbon treaty, engagement on that issue has not been significant. I suspect that the challenges with which the countries concerned must contend have pushed the treaty down their list of priorities. At present, the only pressing country in terms of membership...

European Neighbourhood Policy. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: In regard to whether we were lobbied, the answer is "No". When I met the Minister, Mr. Lavrov, he was disposed to present the Russian perspective on the Georgian conflict. Our position is regarded as clear because we issued statements condemning Russian actions in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and its recognition of the two regions as independent states. He understood our position.

European Neighbourhood Policy. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: We believe that an international inquiry should be held. Perhaps there was an initial rush to judgment. Without taking a partisan view, I recognise the objective need for an international inquiry. Certain issues arise in respect of Kosovo but, as I have argued previously, there are differences. The exercise of self-determination does not normally allow for changes to frontiers outside of...

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I welcome this opportunity to pay tribute to the vital work being undertaken by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, in support of Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. UNRWA provides basic services to more than 4.6 million Palestinians and operates essential programmes in areas such as education and health care, relief and social services,...

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: During my visit to the Middle East in July, I met representatives of UNRWA and was impressed by their work and commitment. We intend to continue our support for the agency.

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: Until there is a political settlement, the refugee problem will persist. I have had discussions with negotiators on both sides. There is acknowledgement that the refugee question is fundamental to any ultimate political resolution and the two state solution. As long as we do not have political resolution, we will need to provide comprehensive support via UNWRA to Palestinian refugees...

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I agree. I have met with Mr. Ging and he has articulated those points to me. The most basic supplies necessary for education are denied. I raised those points with the Israeli Foreign Minister at the time, Ms Livni, who undertook to investigate this to ensure it would not happen. Others in UNWRA made the point that ultimately the policy in Gaza is fuelling fundamentalism more than...

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: The programme for Government contains a commitment to the expansion of the overseas aid programme. We have set a target of spending 0.7% of gross national product, GNP, on official development assistance, ODA, by 2012. It is estimated that Ireland's spending on ODA for 2008 will reach 0.54% of GNP. In 2009, the total allocation for ODA amounts to €891 million. The largest element of...

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I share the concern of the sub-committee and Deputy Deasy. We will push strongly for the maintenance of the commitment to 2015 in an EU context and to 2012 in our context. Nonetheless, pressures are coming on and it is important to maintain momentum. In the context of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Brown took a significant initiative in terms of instigating a summit of the UN on...

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I take the Deputy's point, which refers to what Deputy Deasy said. I am sure Deputy Higgins agrees that there is a role for Ireland to probe the issue more at EU level. We will certainly do so.

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: The budget for Irish Aid is substantial, at over €800 million. One can argue a point in terms of an annual report or the White Paper, but we need to disseminate a message in this respect across the country.

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: We are all birds of passage here. What will sustain this country's ongoing and long-term commitment to Africa and to the poorest of the poor is the generation of sufficient awareness of what we are doing domestically to inform subsequent public policy to ensure our commitment in that respect remains at the core as one of our primary objectives. I saw the annual report and I thought it was a...

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: They will do it any way. They are raising funds. Many schools are engaged in the WorldWise programme, which is administered by Irish Aid. That represents the future. If we can inspire our young people in that manner, it will be money well spent, provided we do it well and effectively.

Overseas Development Aid. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: Yes, in the sense of the world. I am pessimistic about achieving them. The summit that was convened in September was important to shake up and refocus people on attaining those goals. I pay contribute to the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, in that respect. He led well on that issue and continues to do so. He is a good example of an international leader who brings a global...

Diplomatic Representation. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: The relationship between Ireland and the United States is deep, close and enduring. Successive presidents and their administrations, and Ireland's many friends on Capitol Hill from both sides of the aisle, have made an enormous contribution to bringing peace and economic prosperity to this island. These efforts have been greatly assisted by the distinguished individuals who have served as...

Diplomatic Representation. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I challenge the Deputy on that.

Diplomatic Representation. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: I wish to make it clear that I take seriously the campaign platforms of both President-elect Obama and the defeated candidate Senator John McCain. We have analysed them, we are mindful of them and will not ignore them. There are up to 474 US companies in Ireland employing approximately 95,000 people. I do not wish to digress but there has been a significant assault on the public service...

Diplomatic Representation. (5 Nov 2008)

Micheál Martin: That is what I said.