Results 6,761-6,780 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Middle East Peace Process (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Direct negotiations between the two sides are the only way to achieve a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. The issues are complex and difficult, but they are not insoluble and an agreement is there to be had, if there is the political will on both sides. The United States, under President Obama, with the support of the European Union and the Quartet, has worked over a long...

Middle East Peace Process (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank the Deputy for his support of the statement which I made on behalf of the country at the United Nations last week. I also thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn, among other Deputies, for expressing support for that position. I am very conscious that the position I outlined at the UN General Assembly is a national one. As Deputy Ó Fearghaíl indicated, this country has had a long-standing...

Middle East Peace Process (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I agree with that. There is ongoing bilateral contact between European Union states and our own. I have spoken directly with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Lieberman, about the issue and I intend to do that again. When we are in a position to diary it, in particular, I intend to co-ordinate this with Baroness Ashton, to schedule a visit to the Middle East and to make our own direct...

Overseas Missions (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I welcome the adoption by the UN Security Council on 16 September of Resolution 2009. This resolution reaffirmed that the United Nations should lead the efforts of the international community in supporting the Libyan-led transition and rebuilding process aimed at establishing a democratic, independent and united Libya. It also established the United Nations Support Mission for Libya,...

Overseas Missions (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: First, I disagree with Deputy Daly in respect of the role of the United Nations in regard to Libya. This country has always argued that the United Nations should be at the centre, at the heart, of the actions taken by the international community, which was the case in this case. Resolution 1973 was for the purpose of ensuring that civilian populations would be protected. We can recall the...

Overseas Missions (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: During the course of the week I was at the United Nations in New York, I attended a high-level meeting on Libya on 20 September. I have heard what the National Transitional Council and its representatives have had to say, which is it is the council's intention to build a democratic state in Libya. It will be supported in that effort by the United Nations and Ireland will in turn support the...

Official Engagements (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Government came into office with an explicit commitment to restore Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the European Union. Members of the Government are availing of opportunities to meet their EU colleagues, as well as representatives of the European institutions, to underline the Government's constructive engagement with the European agenda and to ensure close...

Official Engagements (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As I stated, I have met all my EU colleagues. Some of these meetings have been formal, bells and whistles, bilateral meetings, while some have been discussions on the margins of EU Foreign Affairs and General Affairs Council meetings and various UN and OSC meetings, to which there has been a number of objectives. In the period leading up to our renegotiations with the European Union and the...

Trade Relations (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The promotion of Irish trade and exports is a key priority for my Department. At headquarters level and through our embassy network we work closely with the IDA, which is tasked with the attraction and development of foreign investment in Ireland. We also work with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland to assist Irish companies to access markets in a number of practical ways....

Trade Relations (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Yes. The new Export Trade Council brings together all Departments and State agencies involved in trade and export activity and representatives of the private sector. Last week at a meeting of the council we discussed some of the challenges facing Irish exporters and those engaged in trade. They include, for example, language education, a matter we intend to address further. Issues also...

Trade Relations (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The first way of doing so is to adopt a position of respect in working with the governments of developing countries, respecting their sovereignty and wishes. We must take our lead from the governments of those countries of which we are partners as to how they wish to manage their natural resources and other matters. Human rights are also a very important dimension, of which we are very...

Trade Relations (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The cost base and the issue of competitiveness are very much at the heart of Government policy. As a country we must be competitive. The Deputy will acknowledge that there have been significant improvements in Ireland's competitiveness in recent times which are reflected in the improved position of our exports.

Diplomatic Representation (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Irish embassies worldwide perform a wide range of functions in support of Ireland's national interests. Since taking office, I have directed that all embassies and consulates should redouble their efforts in promoting trade, supporting Irish business and seeking out new markets. In practical terms, this means embassies are actively promoting an awareness of Ireland and its business...

Diplomatic Representation (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: It is important to state the total number of embassies is 76, with most of our missions having three diplomatic staff or fewer. Seven missions have one diplomat. In talking about a strategic plan, in most of our embassies it is to multi-task and perform a range of functions. These include consular activity, intergovernmental work and leading the trade effort. In dealing with the trade...

Diplomatic Representation (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: It will be filled very soon. I do not want to be evasive on the matter. The post has been vacant since August. Normally the filling of an ambassadorial post takes time for a variety of reasons, including the movement of individuals from one place to another. I intend to bring proposals to the Government shortly in respect of the ambassadorial posts to be filled.

Undocumented Irish in the United States (4 Oct 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 96 and 108 together. Addressing the position 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 him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding...

Written Answers — Consular Services: Consular Services (29 Sep 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has no record of any approach in regard to the case mentioned by him. Our Embassy in London is happy to assist, however, and will continue in its direct contact with the relevant authorities in the Isle of Man on receipt of additional information on this case, supplied by either the Deputy or the person referred to in the question. I can assure the...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (29 Sep 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: A passport application for the person in question was submitted on 25 August, 2011. In accordance with the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008, this Department must be satisfied that an applicant is an Irish citizen before issuing her with a passport. As the applicant was born in the State in July, 2011 her entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by Section 6A of the Irish...

Written Answers — State Agencies: State Agencies (29 Sep 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has no State agencies under its aegis.

Leaders' Questions (29 Sep 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I thank Deputy Ross for bringing me good news from Frankfurt. There has been a lot of good news from Frankfurt since the Government took office, including the significant reductions in the interest rate that we have been able to negotiate. I thank Deputy Ross for drawing my attention to that. I also agree with him in respect of the performance of auditors. There are questions to be asked...