Results 45,421-45,440 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Anti-Racism Measures: Anti-Racism Measures (30 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the ongoing issue of sectarian behaviour at Scottish Premier League games. I am conscious of the distress and offence it can cause. Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government on various issues. In recent weeks, the Consul General has been in close contact with senior officials in...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (30 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Together with our European Union partners, Ireland is closely monitoring investigations by the Colombian Supreme Court into the alleged association of members of Congress and Government officials with paramilitary groups in Colombia. Any association between elected representatives or officials and paramilitary groups is a matter of serious concern in itself, and also has the capacity further...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Human rights issues are a standard element in all discussions with the Government of China, including during the Taoiseach's meeting last week with the Chinese Prime Minister. I did not accompany the Taoiseach to China on this occasion. On a bilateral level, senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs engage in regular meetings with the Chinese Embassy in Dublin on human rights...

Written Answers — Visa Applications: Visa Applications (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: If the Deputy provides further details on the individual applicant who is the subject of this question my Department would be happy to look into the circumstances of the case. Embassies abroad charge visa application fees in accordance with the Diplomatic and Consular Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2004. The fee for a single entry visa application is €60. Fees for translation of documents...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 to 340, inclusive, together. I have long been aware of the tremendous contribution of charities and individuals who have worked to help the children of Chernobyl. Once I became aware of possible restrictions on the children's travel, I arranged a meeting with Adi Roche of Chernobyl Children's Project International on 8 September to review the situation. I...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Government consistently raises with the British Government ongoing issues which are the legacy of the Troubles. This includes issues arising from the bombing in Omagh in August 1998 which resulted in appalling loss of life and injury. Following the recent revelations made by a BBC documentary relating to the Omagh bombing, I again raised our concerns with the Secretary of State for...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Department of Foreign Affairs implements the following schemes involving awards to staff: the Scheme of Performance Related Pay Awards and the Exceptional Performance Awards Scheme. Scheme of Performance Related Pay Awards. The Scheme of Performance Related Pay Awards in the Civil Service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: President Sarkozy mentioned the Deputy's e-mail.

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Ó Snodaigh's party would recognise that themselves.

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Council agreed that a financial crisis cell would be established, which would provide an early warning and information exchange mechanism for EU member states to relay information to the President of the Commission, the European Central Bank and the euro group of countries. The details and procedures for the cell are to be finalised by ECOFIN. It is desired by all member states in order...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: It is a statement of principles. With regard to Pat Cox, there are 27 member states and the reflection group is composed of 12 of them. The majority of member states do not have a member of the group. Pat Cox's name was suggested about ten months ago, but it seems that the former Spanish Prime Minister, Felipe Gonzales, who is chairing the group, went more for academics and former...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Council has established an independent reflection group to help the European Union to anticipate and meet the international challenges in the period 2020 to 2030. Basically, it is looking at the key issues and developments which the Union is likely to face, analysing those, strengthening and modernising the European model of economic success and social responsibility, enhancing the...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I do not. That is obviously a matter for the group itself to deal with, in consultation with the Council. The Deputy asked about the impact of the Lisbon vote. On the economic front, as a former Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment I am well aware that one of the key marketing ploys of Ireland has been to present the country as an English-speaking member of the eurozone and a...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: That will not be said by anybody immediately but it is something that people will feel. From the financial perspective of agriculture and the health check on the Common Agricultural Policy, one always wants to negotiate from a position of strength, as a country that is at the heart of Europe. I have no doubt that, over time, that position and capacity to negotiate from strength will be weakened.

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: That is a significant consequence of our decision. We can argue about it and the Deputy may decide that he does not agree, but that is the reality to me. There are other issues as well, but I have responded to the question the Deputy posed. As regards Deputy Creighton's point on the second referendum, we have not confirmed with anybody in terms of a decision that the Government has taken...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: Contrary to what Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, our overall strategic objective is to act in the best interests of the Irish people. The Oireachtas and the public at large need to reflect on it and ask what is in the best interests of future generations. Is it in their interests to be on the margins of Europe in terms of influence and engagement? Or is in their best interests to be at the heart...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: I will make two points on that matter which has been referred to by a number of people. First, the Commission is the body that decides on compliance with competition and state-aid law. I am grateful to Commissioner Neelie Kroes who worked with our Minister for Finance and the Government generally to confirm that we were in compliance with that. Every country makes inputs in terms of the...

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: The European Council and the euro group took a common position.

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: We did not have to force them into it at all. That is over the top.

European Council: Statements (29 Oct 2008)

Micheál Martin: By and large, the normal, routine conduct of monetary policy within the EU is the preserve of the central bank and finance ministers. President Sarkozy initiated an important meeting of the euro group——