Results 461-480 of 939 for speaker:Noel Treacy

Nuclear Disarmament Initiative. (24 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: We are clear on our position. We fully support the non-proliferation treaty and will continue to do so. Our preference is to await the legislative conclusions. If they do not arise, this does not arise. We cannot pre-empt the outcome of the legislative debate.

Nuclear Disarmament Initiative. (24 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: There is also a possibility of seeking an extraordinary plenary meeting in the coming months. The US has indicated that it may wish to do so, but it is too early to speculate on the timing of such a meeting. We are only on a lead-in time. There will be no de facto conclusions as we enter debate.

Northern Ireland Issues. (24 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: The appalling sectarian killing of Michael McIlveen has been condemned wholeheartedly by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, as well as by the entire community in Northern Ireland. This incident was a truly shocking demonstration of the evil of sectarianism and a reminder that sectarian hatred and violence still plague communities across Northern Ireland. Our thoughts continue...

Northern Ireland Issues. (24 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I condemn statements such as that to which the Deputy referred. It is important not to give any credibility or recognition to such outrageous and outlandish statements. It is important not to make provocative statements or organise provocative events or parades that incite tension and lead to violence. On behalf of the people, we constantly appeal to both sides to accept the rights of the...

Europe Day: Closing Statement. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: However, I expect the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will know the exact number of work permits issued. When he examines those in detail, the additional number in terms of migrants' wives, spouses and children can be added and we should be able to calculate the figure in that respect. On the criminality aspect and law enforcement in respect of people who have come here who...

Europe Day: Closing Statement. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: Today, the focus of our national Parliament has been entirely on the European Union and its tremendous importance to us in this country. This was a unique day for the Oireachtas and a credit to all of those involved in its organisation. I want to pay special tribute to Commissioner Fischer Boel, whose presence earlier was a first in Irish parliamentary history, bringing Brussels closer to...

Europe Day: Closing Statement. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I will respond to the Deputy.

Europe Day: Closing Statement. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I will give the Deputy two direct answers. First, it is not necessary to have a specific Minister dealing with this issue.

Europe Day: Closing Statement. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I am responding to the Deputy's question. It is not necessary to have a specific Department dealing with this issue. A Minister of State should be responsible for a unit in a particular Department where all these areas could be co-ordinated. That is important. Joined up thinking is required. There is a good deal of co-ordination, although perhaps there could be more. In the Department of...

Europe Day: Closing Statement. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I cannot answer Deputy Deasy's question pertaining to the number of Romanians who are here.

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I fully accept the Chairman and members of the scrutiny committee do an outstanding job. I also fully accept that the staff who work there, are highly productive and efficient and I have no objection to providing more resources to assist the committee. Obviously, it is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to decide on the allocation and priority of resources. That is not a...

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: The European project has evolved thus far. We are talking about enlargement today and having a detailed debate on the future of Europe which is very much on the agenda for subsequent debate into the future. The euro has evolved as a new currency for 12 member states under the control of the European Central Bank. It is very important that strict criteria be laid down and that all banks...

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I am not in a position to give a de facto answer to the question but from experience I am aware that once a decision is taken, the decision is reported, but information is not given on what way people voted. I do not think it is revealed how anyone votes in any of the communications or conclusions that are arrived at. Ireland and the European Union are very much at one on the situation in the...

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: The situation is most obvious. There is a clearly defined structure of institutions, such as the European Parliament, the various councils and the European Council which take their decisions. A conclusion is arrived at and is published. Apart from the European Parliament, the councils sit in private. We fully support the European constitutional proposals to open up the process so that there...

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I presume there is a legal impediment under treaties or otherwise. The decision making process remains the same as when the EEC was established. The European constitution will address this issue once it is implemented. I do not have a problem with this because it is important that every citizen should know his or her representative's position prior to arriving at a decision at European...

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: I commend the committee's initiative and it is a matter for the committee to reply. However, the Department will do everything it can to assist in providing the necessary information in reply to the people. The vehicle registration tax rate is based on a Government decision taken a number of years ago, which was approved by the House, to provide sustainability in the revenue base and to...

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: We have led Europe in this area over the years. Free travel is available to our senior citizens. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs is examining other opportunities to expand the scheme. There is a demand that there should be equity in the system on an all-island basis. If the scheme is expanded, all European citizens will have to be offered free travel in Ireland. However, the system...

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: As far as I understand it, concessions can be granted and there is enough flexibility to take account of particular difficult cases. However, a standard opportunity is not provided for people to avail of a concession.

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: Based on the uniform medical cover that is available across Europe for its citizens when they are in different member states, there is no reason we could not look at the issue raised by Deputies Deasy and Quinn. I will ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to inquire if we can put free travel for people with medical problems in line with European medical cover.

Third Annual Report of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002: Statements. (10 May 2006)

Noel Treacy: We value the work of the sub-committee. It is a new process that is evolving. The Government takes the committee's submissions and comments very seriously. We take account of them when formulating our position. It is important the Government maintains flexibility to negotiate independently particular issues on behalf of Ireland. However, it is not just committees and Ministers who carry out...