Results 6,181-6,200 of 8,654 for speaker:Seán Crowe

European Council: Statements (21 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: I asked the Tánaiste previously whether Irish troops would take part in a mission to the Central African Republic or whether the matter had been discussed at Cabinet level. The situation in Ukraine is worsening rapidly. Riots and violence have been evident in recent days. Did any discussion take place on what the European Union would do in that regard? Has the Government come forward...

European Council: Statements (21 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: As my colleague, Deputy Gerry Adams, has noted, the conclusions of the European Council meeting make it quite clear that EU leaders are going to continue to push for the increased militarisation of the European Union and that this will go hand-in-hand with NATO's ideology and needs. The conclusions even state the debate on EU military co-operation was preceded by a meeting with the NATO...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: I welcome Mr. Butler. I like the idea of bringing the ambassadors before the committee. This is the first occasion on which that suggestion has been made. Not only would their coming before us be helpful for the ambassadors, it would also provide the committee with an overview in respect of various matters. There is a need to recognise the sensitive nature of the diplomatic job which...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: -----but they do not do so. In my opinion, they should be allowed to attend meetings of all committees and not just this one. On the subject of MEPs, perhaps those in the North could also be invited to attend. A relationship exists and we tend to sell Ireland on an all-island basis. Even if they never took up the option, it would be a positive move to invite MEPs from the North to attend...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: It is very positive that no matter where one goes in the world, there is goodwill toward the Irish people. We have no negative colonial past. People seem to like our sense of humour and our music. We are not seen as a threat or not perceived as people with a hidden agenda. It can be argued that we have a small pot of money to invest in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Effects of Violence: Justice for the Forgotten (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: We should discuss possible funding avenues for the Justice for the Forgotten group. Perhaps the joint committee could write to the Taoiseach about the issue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Effects of Violence: Justice for the Forgotten (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: Like the other contributors I have a good deal to say on this subject in which for most of my life on the island of Ireland I have been interested. I have met families whose relatives were killed over the years, and some of my friends have been killed, but one of the most important things we can do here today is come up with recommendations on how we can move the process forward. I would...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Civic Forum for Northern Ireland: SDLP (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: As stated by Deputy Wall, we have met already with many groups and propose to meet others, all of whom want an opportunity to express their views and to be listened to and involved. This is the purpose of the forum. One of the weaknesses of the peace process was the lack of civic involvement in the negotiations in that regard. I have no doubt that had the negotiations been widened out to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consultancy Contracts Data (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: 40. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of consultants or consultancy firms employed by his Department during each of the past five years; the purpose and duration of each of these consultancies or consultancy contracts; the names of the consultants or firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1874/14]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consultancy Contracts Data (16 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: 42. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form a list of all professional fees, including but not limited to legal, consultancy, IT-related, advisory, capital, advertising and accountancy, charged to his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department, detailing the company name and the amount invoiced between 1 May 2011...

Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: The easy accessibility and normalisation of online and offline betting is a curse for many families and individuals. We all have experiences involving young people who have gone online and used credit cards. Women and men participate in this activity at all hours of the night. Huge bills arrive months later. This is another difficulty that families have. Other countries have ensured...

Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: He took the same approach to the smoking ban.

Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013. I suppose some people will say this is another advance for the nanny state, that it is taxing the working man, that there are few pleasures left in life, that it started off taxing the pint and now it will tax bets. However, it is welcome we are bringing forward this legislation to tax online bookies and betting...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: I apologise if I have overstepped. I understood we were dealing with the paper which raises questions. I can go through the various sections and, for example, ask questions on the EU.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: It is just that the North is a huge issue for many of us here.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: Regarding agreements made in the past - the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement - the witness referred to slow progress. If anything will kill the potential of what came out of those agreements, it is slow progress. I have some disagreements with the witnesses' assessment of EU developments. Many key EU personnel, most recently Viviane Reding, the vice-president of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Review of Foreign Affairs Policy and External Relations: Discussion (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: I will begin with the conclusion of Mr. Dorr's contribution. I liked his comments about Kofi Annan's vision and his own vision of Ireland in the context of planetary matters. We are a small country and our history and so on are significant positives no matter where one travels in the world. When we met the Iranians, I pointed out that as a small state we do not have a hidden agenda like...

Other Questions: Undocumented Irish in the USA (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: Does the Tánaiste believe conditions have improved since his last visit? There was considerable optimism when we were there working on the matter. The Tánaiste mentioned St. Patrick's Day. Does he see that as a key period for the lobbying work by the Government and Members of this House, as well as Irish America? Another area highlighted during the visit was those who are...

Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: I welcome that the Government has pledged €2 million in funding to provide life-saving emergency assistance to civilians in the Central African Republic. That country is one of the most disadvantaged states in Africa. Its population was extremely vulnerable before the outbreak of this crisis, so I hope the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to do all it can to...

Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (15 Jan 2014)

Seán Crowe: Have we any answer to helping the displaced people from that region? Have there been discussions on Irish involvement in sending EU military forces to the Central African Republic?