Results 681-700 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Diplomatic Representation. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: The Minister attaches the highest priority to the economic work of diplomatic missions. In the past year, a review of the Department's work in this area was carried out. A set of guidelines was issued to advance the economic objectives set out in the programme for Government. These guidelines reiterate that all missions have a role to play in promoting trade and investment; and that this...

Diplomatic Representation. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I agree absolutely with Deputy Timmins, particularly his last point. That is already happening. In Singapore, for example, the embassy has a small staff, but we have Ireland House there, along with Enterprise Ireland. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment also has staff on the ground in Singapore. This is precisely the point being made by the Deputy of approaching in an...

Diplomatic Representation. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: Deputy Timmins is making a very valid point. For example, there is abhorrence in Ireland to using retired politicians for anything. John Bruton currently represents Europe very well in Washington DC. Many people with much skill could be called upon. With regard to networking and using the resources available on the ground, Irish embassies are unsurpassed. The networks being established...

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: The reform treaty will be signed by Heads of State and Government, including the Taoiseach, on 13 December and is expected to be ratified by each member state before 1 January 2009. The Government has sought formal legal advice from the Attorney General on whether ratification of the treaty requires an amendment to the Constitution. It is anticipated that this question will be answered...

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I disagree with Deputy Creighton's last point. I agree there must be a vigorous campaign and more positive media coverage. Last week's full debate, facilitated by Deputy Creighton's colleague, Deputy Durkan, got virtually no media coverage. That reality faces us. One broadcaster I approached told me it was too complex. I do not agree it is too complex. The treaty is a complex issue, but...

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I have a date in mind, to which the Government has not yet agreed.

EU Treaties. (27 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: Because of the complexity of this issue we would be foolhardy to rush into it. We must put in place a strategy to inform the Irish people, because when they are informed, they will vote "yes".

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements (14 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I apologise on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, who cannot be in the House. He intended to deliver this speech which I am making on his behalf. This debate gives me the opportunity, on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, to update the House on recent developments in road safety policy. In 2006 we saw the second lowest number of road deaths in 40...

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements (14 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: Senator Donohoe made a very good point about the fact that failures were not noted in the report. I will ensure that the Minister has a note of that.

EU Treaties. (8 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I am grateful to Deputy Costello for raising this matter because it is important to have a full, frank, open and honest debate on the issue. The reform treaty was agreed by European Heads of State and Government at the informal European Council in Lisbon on 18 and 19 October. It is planned that the treaty will be signed at the European Council in December. Thereafter, the treaty will need...

EU Treaties. (8 Nov 2007)

Dick Roche: I intend to make information available to every Member. This will be a vigorous, frank debate that we must carry to the people. This treaty will free us from the introspection Europe has had for the past six years. It will allow the 27 member states of the European Union to progress and serve all the people of Europe. I hope the debate will be informed and honest and that the Irish people...

European Council Meetings: Statements (24 Oct 2007)

Dick Roche: I wrote the declaration.

European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (16 Oct 2007)

Dick Roche: There is a specific Irish and Austrian protocol on this. As to Europe's future prospects, we clearly need a Union that can keep delivering for Europeans, including Irish people, as it has done so impressively over the past decade. The treaty provides the Union with the necessary tools to set about securing the gifts of peace and prosperity for future generations. The reform treaty is the...

Road Safety: Motion (16 Oct 2007)

Dick Roche: I am waiting for the Minister.

Road Safety: Motion (16 Oct 2007)

Dick Roche: If the Deputy wishes to address the question I will be more than pleased to listen to him, as always.

European Union Reform Treaty: Statements (16 Oct 2007)

Dick Roche: It is a pity the previous speaker thought to interpret what is in my mind. I thank all Members for their contributions on this highly important issue. The manner in which the reform treaty is handled will have an extremely important bearing on Ireland's future position within the European Union. Ireland is perceived as a dynamic, progressive and forward-looking nation and the Government...

Fire Services: Motion (Resumed) (10 Oct 2007)

Dick Roche: With the agreement of the House, I propose to share time with Deputies Behan, Gogarty and Cuffe. There may be a fourth Deputy with whom I will also be sharing time later. I welcome the opportunity to address the motion before the House. As a Member representing the constituency of Wicklow and as a resident of Bray, I can inform the House that the fatal fire on 26 September has had a...

EU Treaty. (3 Jul 2007)

Dick Roche: The Government is pleased with the outline of the reform treaty that was agreed at last month's European Council meeting. The reform treaty will amend the existing treaties in various ways so as to create a more efficient and effective Union that can better serve Europe's future needs. Our principal objective going into these negotiations was to retain the substance and balance of the draft...

EU Treaty. (3 Jul 2007)

Dick Roche: I fully appreciate the Deputy's concerns given some of the reports in the media but the Government has no reservations regarding the charter. As I said in my reply, it is prudent to take the opportunity to examine the implications for the charter of this additional protocol, which was introduced at a very late stage. As the Taoiseach and I have said previously, the additional protocol seems...

EU Treaty. (3 Jul 2007)

Dick Roche: I, like the Deputy, regard the charter as a major selling point, not just in the constitutional treaty process but in the reform treaty process. There is nothing in the charter that should cause a reasonable person concern because, as the Deputy correctly points out, it reaffirms existing rights. The only issues that arose were the British concerns regarding the protocol. As has been said...