Results 6,981-7,000 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: While my Department has an overall coordinating role in EU matters, responsibility for examination of proposed EU Directives as well as transposition of EU Directives into Irish law rests with those Departments with responsibility for the policy areas covered by individual EU measures. During negotiations on proposed Directives the long term impacts of such proposals are carefully considered,...

Written Answers — Economic Recovery: Economic Recovery (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As part of the diplomatic initiative, which I announced at the beginning of April and in line with the Government's commitment to restoring Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the European Union, I have sought regular engagement with policy makers in all the institutions of the European Union. During these meetings I have made clear the economic and financial...

Written Answers — Economic Recovery: Economic Recovery (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, together. In all engagements with EU partners, the Government has stated clearly and categorically that Ireland will not accept any adjustment in the Irish corporation tax rate. I know that this is a view shared by the vast majority of members of this House and by the Irish people. Any increase in our corporation tax rate would be...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Securing Ireland's interests in the EU and contributing fully to the Union's future development is a core function of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. To this end, the Department has a dedicated European Union division with 28 full-time equivalent staff. The Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels is also a key resource for EU Division and the...

Human Rights Issues (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The human rights situation in North Korea has been described by the UN special rapporteur for North Korea as "abysmal". The general population of North Korea faces violent political and religious persecution, collective punishment, torture and arbitrary execution perpetrated by the North Korean authorities. In addition, citizens of North Korea are victims of chronic food shortages and...

Human Rights Issues (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I concur with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Mac Lochlainn. North Korea is one of the most repressive regimes in the world. It denies even the most basic of human rights to its citizens. Services such as health care and education appear to be allocated according to loyalty to the regime, there is no freedom of press or religion and the judiciary is neither impartial nor independent....

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I will take Questions Nos. 14, 15, 21, 33, 38, 43 and 45 together. As I have made clear to the House, prior to the anticipated sailing of the flotilla I made clear to the Israeli authorities my insistence that any interception of the flotilla must ensure the safety of Irish citizens, and indeed other peaceful participants, on board. This message...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Deputy Boyd Barrett was not in the House when I answered the serious questions raised about the Government's response to the Palestinian issue, the occupation that is taking place in Palestine, the blockade of Gaza and the efforts we are making to bring about a resolution to that. It is claptrap to talk about collusion by the Irish State with Israel. The Government is working constructively...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The only issue he seems to be concerned about is the protest. With regard to the protest, I made my position clear. The travel advice provided by my Department was consistent with the travel advice we provide to anyone going into dangerous circumstances. I was hugely conscious of the actions that took place last year, and which I condemn. I met the organisers of the Irish group in the...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I do not have to be invited to do that at all because on the very day that we received the report that there was damage to the MV Saoirse, we asked for the matter to be investigated. The investigation had to be carried out by the Turkish authorities because the vessel was in one of their ports. I am not telling the Deputy what I believe nor am I offering him an opinion. I am relating the...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: First, I do not rely on newspaper reports. The report I received was from the Irish embassy, which had been in contact with the Turkish authorities who reported the view they had concluded based on the coast guard examination. If the Deputy has information and evidence other than that, we will look at it. This is my third time to repeat that and if it transpires that there was sabotage, we...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: If any Deputy wants to bring evidence to my attention, I will have it examined. The standard way to assess damage to vessels in a port is to have it investigated by the port authorities and the authorities of the country in which it takes place.

Undocumented Irish (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Addressing the position of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The inclusion of Ireland in an amended reciprocal E3 visa scheme, which would allow Irish people with a certain level of education to work in the US on a two-year renewable...

Undocumented Irish (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The suggestion has been raised with us by the group, Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, ILIR. The idea is that an administrative waiver would be applied to undocumented people who are in the United States and who otherwise would qualify for a visa. However, they would have to return home in order to make an application. The issue is being pursued by us. The ambassador in Washington has...

Diplomatic Representation (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: During his two years as US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly invested considerable time and energy in a range of initiatives to attract new investment to Northern Ireland and to develop relationships which I believe will continue to bear fruit in the years ahead. The successful Northern Ireland Economic Conference which took place in Washington last year is one example of the...

Diplomatic Representation (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: First, I have met with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and there is no doubt about her commitment and support for the continuing peace process in Northern Ireland and for economic development in Northern Ireland. I also conveyed to her the appreciation of the work Declan Kelly did during his term as her...

Diplomatic Representation (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: There are two issues of which we must be respectful. The first is to be respectful of the position of the Northern Ireland Executive because this envoy was appointed to Northern Ireland. It was not an appointment to the island as a whole and therefore we must be first respectful of that. I have had a number of discussions with both the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together. The continuing Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories is at the heart of the unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict. The issues which have been critical for Israel for most of its history – the existence of the state of Israel and its right to live in peace and security – have for many years been accepted in principle by...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Deputy will agree that we must await to see how this works out. There is no proposal on the table at present. I had a very constructive meeting today with Dr. Nabeel Shaath and he set out for me his perspective on likely developments. First, there may be an application to the UN Security Council. Ireland is not a member of the council. The issue will arise at council level as to...

Foreign Conflicts (13 Jul 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I can state now Ireland is in favour of Palestine having its own state and that it wants to see that state living in peace with Israel. We want to see an agreed negotiated settlement of the entire conflict in the Middle East. My efforts on behalf of this country, which will be very much furthering a consistent policy followed by successive Governments over a long period, will be to help to...