Results 5,961-5,980 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 118 together. Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States remain important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed these issues with President Obama when we met with him on 23 May last year in Dublin....

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy has noted, I have made clear my view that the continuing Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories, and the ongoing settlement construction project, are now the major obstacles to a lasting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours, including the Palestinians. Settlement construction is in the first place illegal under international law, and inherently involves...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights opened for signature in New York in September 2009. To date thirty nine (39) States have signed. Nine of the twenty seven European Union member states have signed. Five States have ratified the Optional Protocol: Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mongolia and Spain. The Optional Protocol will come into...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I assume the Deputy is referring to the airstrike near the town of Uludere in Sirnak Province that took place on 28 December last. The loss of civilian life is in all circumstances a tragedy. Military activity should always be conducted to avoid civilian casualties and States should adhere rigidly to the procedures and rules of engagement for offensive action. I understand that the Turkish...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: St. Patrick's Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland's image and interests abroad. No other country in the world attracts as much public and media attention for its national day as Ireland does. I intend to ensure with this year's programme of travel that targeted use will be made of the marketing opportunity that St. Patrick's Day provides globally. In keeping with this...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 70 together. I refer to my answers to questions 32 and 41 which I answered earlier today.

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: On 3 November last year, the day of the Government's decision to close our resident Embassy to the Holy See, I wrote to the Holy See's Secretary of State, His Excellency Cardinal Bertone, to inform him of the Government's decision and why it had been necessary, as well as to express Government's intention to continue our active engagement with the Holy See on issues of mutual interest and...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 105 and 106 together. North South Cooperation is currently operating at a very high level. The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meets in three formats: Plenary, Institutional and Sectoral. Since this Government came into office, the work of the NSMC has been taken forward at all levels, with a total of 16 Sectoral meetings having taken place, along...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Since becoming Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade I have visited Northern Ireland on a number of occasions and, during these visits, have met with my Northern Ministerial colleagues, as well as community representatives. Yesterday, I visited Belfast where I met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and subsequently I participated in a joint meeting with him and...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together. The Passports Act, 2008 requires that before issuing a passport to a person, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade shall be satisfied as to the identity of each applicant and that the person is an Irish citizen. Documentary proof in respect of identity and entitlement to citizenship are required for all passport applications. These...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Each year, under the terms of the Ethics in Public Office Acts, officers of my Department at Counsellor/Principal Officer level and above and others holding certain specifically designated posts are required to furnish the Department with a written statement of any registrable interests they may have. The total number of staff involved is approximately 180. There are no public bodies under...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: Twenty five staff retired from my Department in 2011. With regard to staff of this Department, the calculation and payment of superannuation benefits is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The Department was responsible for two Votes in 2011: Foreign Affairs and Trade (Vote 28) and International Cooperation (Vote 29). The total allocation for both Votes in 2011 was €740.5m. The provisional gross expenditure outturn for 2011 is €726.7m. It should be noted that this figure may be subject to adjustment in the Appropriation Accounts in due course. The provisional outturn...

Written Answers — Trade Missions: Trade Missions (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I hope to visit China on an official visit at a mutually convenient date in the coming months. This visit will provide the opportunity to build on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between our two countries; to have discussions with my opposite number in China on matters of mutual concern; to promote Irish interests; and to further enhance our political, trade, investment,...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: At the European Council last month, important steps were taken in relation to budgetary discipline within the euro area and firewalls, both of which are issues of importance to Ireland, and progress was made towards taking Europe beyond the current crisis. In particular, leaders agreed to further strengthen economic policy coordination within the euro area, by way of an intergovernmental...

Written Answers — EU Summits: EU Summits (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The EU-US summit, which took place in Washington on 28 November 2011, was regarded by both sides as a success. The transatlantic economy accounts for around 50% of global GDP and remains a cornerstone of the global economy. While the global economy is being rebalanced with significant emerging players, the EU and the US together remain well-placed to exercise strong influence in pioneering...

Written Answers — EU Summits: EU Summits (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 104 together. Trade missions are a valuable support to Irish business in developing markets abroad and particularly important in the context of the export-led growth which is crucial to our economic recovery. In general, proposals for trade missions to be led at Ministerial level are submitted by Enterprise Ireland on the basis of the priority markets...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: I have not been in contact with President Peres or Prime Minister Netanyahu since I took up office. I intend to visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the end of this month. I expect to meet with Foreign Minister Liberman, with whom I have already had contact, and I would hope also to be able to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Written Answers — Global Economic Forum: Global Economic Forum (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: The formal report of the Forum which includes full details of the outcomes of the working groups that took place during the event was published on 24 November, 2011 and can be viewed on the Forum's website - www.globalirishforum.ie. The Forum was a very positive and successful event that has contributed in a significant way to our economic recovery, to further enhancing our strategic...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (17 Jan 2012)

Eamon Gilmore: As I have previously reported to this House, including in my reply to Parliamentary Question 15 on 10 November, the decision to close the Irish Embassy in Iran was taken following a review of overseas missions carried out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which gave particular attention to the economic return from bilateral missions. We experienced no pressure from any third...