Results 5,781-5,800 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Consular Services: Consular Services (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through its Consular Assistance Section and Crisis Planning Unit, Embassies, Consulates and Honorary Consuls, provided consular assistance to 1,506 Irish citizens involved in 1,342 incidents abroad in 2011. This does not include the number of Irish citizens who were assisted during the large number of crises abroad in 2011 including the...

Written Answers — Trade Relations: Trade Relations (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Trade missions are a valuable support to Irish business in developing the exports which are crucial to our economic recovery. This is particularly the case in countries where Government-to-Government contacts are a prerequisite for doing business. My Department and our Embassy network work closely with the agencies and other Government Departments regarding the organisation of such...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I paid a visit to Japan from 12 to 13 October 2011 and the main focus of which was on trade promotion. Included in my itinerary were several business events, organised by the Embassy and agencies - Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. I held a meeting with the Chief Secretary of Japan, Mr. Osamu Fujimura on economic, political and trade matters. I availed of the opportunity to raise the...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As was outlined in my statement of 3 November last year, the decision of the Government to close our embassy to the Holy See and to appoint a non-resident Ambassador was driven by economic factors deriving from our need to cut public expenditure and focus the modest resources of our diplomatic service on economic recovery. The total cost saving in a full year is estimated at €845,000. The...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I will take them.

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I apologise to Senators Leyden and Cullinane but my notes in response to their questions were on the same page. No offence was intended.

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Senator for the invitation to the Council of Europe, which I will consider. My programme for this year is extensive. I am fortunate that the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, will bear responsibility for part of it in conjunction with her EU work. We hope we will be able to work something out between us. On Senator Cullinane's question, I and the Secretary of State, Mr....

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: People operating in a political bubble are constantly speaking of referenda and the political implications of the treaty and so on. The issues of most importance to the people are safety of the euro, what is happening in the European economy and the implications of this in terms of their jobs and businesses and future investment here. The Irish Government's focus in dealing with this issue...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: We must do so in a way that makes sense and that corresponds with our economic priorities.

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I am surprised, Senator Ó Clochartaigh, to hear that the Seanad is regarded as matter of foreign affairs.

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: There is an agreed Government position on the Seanad, as contained in the programme for Government, namely, that there is to be a referendum on the future of the Seanad.

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I refer to Senator Bradford's question on President Obama and the issue about investment abroad. This issue arises in the United States at election time - it is raised by President Obama and other candidates - just as the issue of Ireland's corporate tax rate also arises during elections in some European countries. There is a very high level of investment from the United States in Ireland,...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: A considerable range of topics has been covered. I join Senators in welcoming the secretary general of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. I had the privilege of formally meeting him yesterday morning, with the president of the Parliamentary Assembly and Mr. Soares from Portugal. Not only will I work with the Parliamentary Assembly during 2012 in my capacity as chairman of the OSCE,...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: They were truly shocking and I will issue a formal statement on behalf of the Government on them. Senator Jim Walsh also mentioned the Assad regime in Syria. We have taken a very strong position in calling on President Assad to introduce reforms and stand aside if he does not do so. We support the very strong position taken by the European Union, including the imposition of sanctions. As...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Senator Michael Mullins mentioned the Middle East peace process. We support the efforts which have been made through the Quartet that arose in September following the UN General Assembly where a statement and a timetable was agreed by the Quartet. We have been encouraging both sides to participate in talks and that was the focus of many of my discussions with the leaders whom I met at the...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: In Africa?

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: We are continuing our diplomatic representation in Africa. Late last year we launched an Africa strategy which is aimed at bringing together our diplomatic work in Africa, the aid work, and also bringing into focus the opportunities for trade with Africa. I do not want our aid programme to appear to be entirely mercenary. The reality is that the openings Ireland has got through its aid...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I will deal first with the questions raised by Senator O'Brien. Yes, Ireland supports statehood for Palestine. We have made it very clear at the UN General Assembly that if the question of Palestinian membership of the United Nations arises, depending on the way in which resolutions are worded, Ireland will support that. I raised the issue of the settlements in my discussions at the...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: We can, if there is any confusion about it.

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Senator. I agree with the point in respect of our candidacy for membership of the UN Human Rights Council. It is obviously important that our human rights reputation is maintained. Senator Hayden and Senator van Turnhout referred to that. The worst way one can be about human rights is complacent. However, let us face it - we have a good record and reputation. The periodic...