Results 45,581-45,600 of 50,917 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Nuclear Technology. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The IAEA, to which Deputy Higgins referred, is not satisfied that Iran has answered all remaining questions about its activities and it reported that several significant questions remain. These include questions relating to Iran's known uranium enrichment activities, other actual or possible undeclared activities and to specific evidence of activities relating to weaponisation. The agency...

Nuclear Technology. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The engagement must be credible. The three plus three approach, notwithstanding Deputy Higgins's reservations, offers potential. The fact that all six groups signed the communication to Iran is significant and is probably more significant than the general rhetoric on this issue.

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Government's approach to the WTO negotiations remains unchanged following the Lisbon treaty ratification.

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: A Freudian slip, it is a word that is all over.

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: We will continue to focus our efforts on securing a balanced outcome which takes account of the particular circumstances and challenges facing the agriculture sector, the opportunities presented for exports of our goods and services, and our commitment to promoting the interests of the world's poorest countries. We want to see a successful outcome to the negotiations that is fair to all...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I broadly agree with the Deputy. He is right that Ireland's engagement with, and performance in, the European Union has been based on brain power. I do not mean to sound arrogant when I say that. We have built alliances with key countries on specific issues. We have been involved in all issues and taken a genuine interest in them. We have shared the concerns of other member states when...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: There is a Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries. The existing model is potentially an effective way of representing this country's fishing and farming interests. Ultimately, we need to continue our collective dialogue with the two domestic interest groups mentioned by Deputy McHugh on the issues they have raised. Continuing dialogue and engagement is equally important in the...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Creighton referred to the CAP health check as a precursor to what will emerge from the WTO talks. She is right to suggest that we face a significant challenge in this regard. As I said earlier in response to Deputy O'Keeffe, we can negotiate from a position of strength if we build alliances and ensure that we are at the heart of things. We face significant challenges in terms of...

World Trade Negotiations. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I offered the strong opinion, as did other countries, that we did not believe the conditions were ripe for a ministerial conference and that the package presented was not acceptable under any heading be it NAMA, emerging economies and so on. Several countries stated there that was no point in agreeing a deal simply to meet a particular timetable such as the conclusion of the presidential...

Lisbon Treaty. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Government strongly supported the Lisbon treaty as an agreement that would allow the European Union to work more effectively in the interests of the member states, including Ireland. In this we were joined by a number of political parties and representative groups, and we are very grateful for their support. We are deeply disappointed with the outcome of the referendum. The campaign...

Lisbon Treaty. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: One must be careful in the immediate aftermath of a referendum which produced a disappointing decision to make comments on the rules of the game, so to speak. People may be of the opinion that one was complaining on the basis that one lost and therefore wished to change the rules. On the other hand, I accept the validity of much of what the Deputy has said. If there were to be a referendum...

Lisbon Treaty. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The independent Referendum Commission did a good job but the expectations are too high within the timeframe constraints. I thought the booklet, which was issued to every household, was straightforward and simple. People may have different views on the advertisements but everyone has views on every type of advertisement. People argue about sports and everything else, and such analysis is...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I met the South African ambassador this morning in Dublin at the unveiling of a plaque in Henry Street commemorating the stand taken by Dunnes Stores workers against apartheid more than 20 years ago. In the near future, I also intend to have a more formal meeting with all seven African ambassadors resident in Ireland. This will provide us with an opportunity to discuss key current African...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I did.

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I assure the Deputy that the South African Government and authorities are under no illusion about the strong views in Ireland, as recently articulated in special statements in the House. After that debate, in which the Deputy participated, we again contacted the Irish ambassador in South Africa to convey directly to the South African authorities our strong views on this matter. The...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I had a brief discussion with the ambassador this morning.

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The import of the communication to which I referred was to press the South African authorities to influence the Zimbabwean Government to facilitate fair and free elections and to have a stronger influence on the events unfolding in that country. I am conscious this is the subject matter of the following question.

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The situation in Zimbabwe continues to be shocking and deeply disturbing. At least 50 people have been killed since March and targeted violence has resulted in thousands being displaced, rendering it impossible for them to vote. Opposition Movement for Democratic Change activists, including MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, have repeatedly been arrested and detained. Political meetings have...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (17 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: There are no agencies operating under the aegis of my Department. There are, however, four advisory committees and one educational commission which come under its aegis. The Advisory Board for Irish Aid, which replaced the Irish Aid Advisory Committee (IAAC), was established in August 2002 to provide general oversight and advice to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (17 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 492 together. The Government of Colombia has repeatedly stated its commitment to bringing to an end all terrorism in Colombia within the framework of the Justice and Peace Law. This Law, passed in 2005, provides an overall legal framework for the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of illegal armed groups into Colombian society. The Justice...