Results 45,761-45,780 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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...

Written Answers — Regulatory Impact Analysis: Regulatory Impact Analysis (17 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Since the introduction in June 2005 of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), my Department has carried out two RIA screenings on: the British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Act 2006, which related to the mandate and functions of the Special EU Programmes Body, an all-island body established under the Good Friday Agreement; and the Passports Act 2008, which sets out a specific legislative basis for...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy will be aware, the Good Friday Agreement recognises the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and confirms their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship. Accordingly, it is the Government's firm view that all Irish citizens should be eligible to represent our national...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (17 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 490 and 496 to 501, inclusive, together. The situation in Zimbabwe continues to be both shocking and deeply disturbing. With voting in the second round of the Presidential election due to take place on 27 June, the situation remains violent and unstable. At least 50 people have been killed since March, and targeted violence has resulted in thousands being...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (17 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I am aware that, on 4 June 2008, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia, issued its judgement on appeals lodged on behalf of the five Cuban citizens known as the Miami Five, who were originally convicted in the US in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. The Circuit Court concluded that the appellants' arguments, which centred on the suppression of...

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

Micheál Martin: The person to whom the Deputy is referring has applied to my Department for a Certificat de Coutume — a document indicating that she is free to marry as a matter of Irish law. These certificates are not required by Irish law, but are required by the authorities in certain other countries. Certificates are issued as a service to Irish citizens wishing to marry in those countries, where the...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (17 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which manages the Irish Aid programme, is decentralising to Limerick. This is scheduled to be completed in the autumn and involves the relocation to Limerick of 138 posts. Since May 2007, 58 staff have already decentralised and are based in temporary offices in...

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

Micheál Martin: There were a number of public relation initiatives undertaken by my Department in 2007. The contracts in question arose in very specific circumstances where the Department was required to carry out information and awareness-raising campaigns. As part of the promotion of the public awareness and understanding of the work of the expanding Irish Aid programme, a number of public relation...

Written Answers — Departmental Advertising: Departmental Advertising (5 Jun 2008)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 to 123, inclusive, together. Advertising undertaken by my Department in Ireland typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods and public information notices relating to changes in passport application procedures and fees. While much of this material is now placed on the Department's website, advertising continues to be...