Results 45,741-45,760 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: As I said, we are examining and reflecting. When the Taoiseach said we did not have immediate answers, he was telling the truth, because prior to the referendum, we had said a "Yes" result would mean certainty, while a "No" result would mean genuine uncertainty. It was not the case, as I told a journalist, that we had the Lisbon treaty in one hand and an alternative to it in the other that...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I have dealt with some of these questions already. On the fundamental question of whether the onus is on Ireland primarily, it is on both Ireland and the European Union. We shall have to consult domestically and in the House. That is why I welcome this debate. I shall also be consulting the committees of the Oireachtas. In our examination of the issues involved, to be frank, the primacy...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Creed and other Members raised the issue of a disconnect which our European colleagues understand. It is not only an Irish issue. Across Europe there is a particular perception of the European Union and the need for it to get more into substance and policy.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The Lisbon treaty which addresses the institutions of the European Union has taken seven years to negotiate. Several issues were raised during the referendum campaign which must be analysed to determine how we should proceed.

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am in broad agreement with the Deputy. The Government would welcome further initiatives to address this issue in the United Nations framework. I was taken by an article written by former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, which appeared in today's edition of the Financial Times. In it, Mr. Annan stated that the victor of an unfair vote must be under no illusions and will not have the...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: ——that is where we must head.

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I understand the Deputy's point. It is a fundamental issue——

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: ——that demands careful consideration. Our strategy to date has been to work with our southern African region partners as the people who ultimately have the strongest influence and access. We believe that has yielded some results. We would accept that it has not done enough and that the progress has not been of a degree or nature that we would find acceptable here. Our judgment call at...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: The breaking of diplomatic relations with Chad by Sudan followed an attack on 11 May by rebels from the Justice and Equality Movement, JEM, on the outskirts of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. The Sudanese government accused Chad of backing the JEM rebels. The UN Mission in Chad, MINURCAT, was established under UN Security Council Resolution 1778 and its mandate is to help create the security...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am glad the Deputy asked this question because it might be opportune to clarify the situation. The Irish contingent with UNFOR is performing an outstanding humanitarian role. I met Javier Solana on Tuesday at the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. He has been to Chad and he came over to me to thank me and to pay warm tribute to the professionalism of Irish soldiers and the role they are...

Foreign Conflicts. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: As I said, it is not only to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid but also to protect UN personnel. I await the return of the Minister for Defence who will have first-hand knowledge, having been to Chad, and who will be able to give us the most up-to-date position. The Deputy hypothesised about a potential deterioration of the situation and a heightening of tensions which could lead...

Nuclear Technology. (18 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 81 together. The Government strongly shares the widespread international concern about the nature of Iran's nuclear programme. We fully support the continuing efforts of the EU and its international partners to achieve a diplomatic solution. The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report on Iran's nuclear programme was issued on 26 May, as...

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...