Results 7,341-7,360 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Human Rights Issues (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: This particular question pertains to Burma and the question asked was whether it was my view that sanctions might be lifted by the European Union in respect of Burma. My reply was that sanctions have been renewed against Burma. A small exception or derogation has been made regarding the sanctions that apply to visas, travel restrictions and so on in respect of the Burmese Foreign Minister...

Human Rights Issues (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: There are no double standards.

International Agreements (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The recommendation referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of submissions received by my Department relating to the development of a national action plan, NAP, on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. As stated in my earlier reply to Question No. 2, the resolution calls for an increase in the participation of women in peacemaking and peace...

International Agreements (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: We are considering these issues in the context of finalising the national action plan. As I indicated in my response to another question, we must strike a balance between our aspirations in the national action plan and what is practically feasible. The issues we are considering are the practical implications of the plan's implementation. I sought for and received the opinions of various...

International Agreements (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I agree there should not be caveats. For this reason, I am taking care to ensure that the way in which we advance the national action plan in terms of the resolution can be honoured. I agree with the Deputy that we should not make commitments if we believe we will not be in a position to fulfil them, as that would undermine our standing internationally. I am taking some care to ensure the...

Overseas Missions (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland was not represented either at ministerial or official level at the meeting of NATO foreign Ministers in Berlin on 14 April. Apart from this meeting, there were meetings of the NATO-Georgia Commission, the NATO-Russia Council, the NATO-Ukraine Council, the countries taking part in the NATO-led operation in Libya and the countries contributing to the International Security Assistance...

Overseas Missions (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Deputy misunderstands Ireland's participation in ISAF. The force has a UN mandate, one that has been renewed annually since 2001. The current mandate was extended until 13 October 2011 by Resolution 1943 and enjoys the support of the 48 participating ISAF countries. ISAF's goal is to help restore security in Afghanistan, which is crucial if normal life is to be restored for people who...

Security Council Resolutions (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I join the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, in complimenting Deputy Ó Fearghaíl on his appointment. The conflict resolution unit within my Department is taking the lead role in the development of Ireland's national action plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The resolution calls for an increase in the participation of women in...

Security Council Resolutions (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As Deputy Mac Lochlainn said, there has been a considerable consultation process regarding the national action plan and considerable resources have been devoted to the process within the Department of Foreign Affairs and other Departments. In 2009, some €485,000 from the Department's stability fund funded a cross-learning initiative and consultation with women affected by conflict. This is...

Security Council Resolutions (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The development of the national action plan has been a collaborative process between civil society and Government. I very much appreciate the role played by the joint consortium in acting as champions in Ireland for Resolution 1325. For any national action plan to succeed, it will have to represent a balance between the high ambition we all have towards implementing the resolution and the...

Foreign Conflicts (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I am extremely concerned about the situation in Bahrain following a violent clampdown against protestors demanding political reforms in February and March and continued repression against those advocating reform. Security forces from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council, have been deployed in Bahrain at the request of the Bahrain...

Foreign Conflicts (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: There is nothing inconsistent either in respect of Ireland's position or the EU position on Bahrain. Ireland's position regarding Bahrain is that we are absolutely clear in our desire for an end to the repression. The clampdown on peaceful protest and the way in which it has been treated is unacceptable. The principles of democracy, the rule of law and the application of human rights are...

Foreign Conflicts (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The concerns that Ireland and other EU member states have expressed about the situation in Bahrain have clout for the reasons that have been mentioned. As I have said, this matter was discussed at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in April. I expect it will be discussed again at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. If there is no response to the calls that have been...

EU Enlargement (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Ireland is supportive of Turkey's candidacy for EU membership and its accession when it fulfils all the established criteria and conditions of membership. Our overall approach to EU enlargement is positive. The broadening of the Union helps to promote stability, security and prosperity across the Continent. In some cases, the process of preparing for membership can stimulate and bolster...

EU Enlargement (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: For the reasons I have mentioned, Ireland clearly supports Turkey's application for membership of the EU. The question of Turkey's accession to the Union will depend on its ability to meet the conditions for accession to membership. As Deputy Ó Fearghaíl is aware, such conditions relate inter alia to politics, human rights and compliance with international agreements. The process of...

EU Enlargement (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: As I have said, the Irish position and the Government's position on Turkey's candidacy is that we support it. Certain conditions have to be met before any country can accede to the EU. Those conditions have to be fully met, clearly, as there cannot be a kind of partial meeting of the conditions. The process by which they are negotiated is at an early stage.

Order of Business (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: It is proposed to take No. 5, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the dispatch of a further contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL); No. 9, Nurses and Midwives Bill 2010 - Report and Final Stages (resumed) to adjourn at 2 p.m today if not previously concluded; No. 7 Criminal Justice (Community Service)...

Order of Business (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: On the possible disposal of State assets, the McCarthy report, which was commissioned by Deputy Lenihan himself in his capacity as Minister for Finance in the last Government, was published yesterday. The contents of the report will be considered by the Government and if any proposals arise from it that require legislation, such legislation will be brought before the House. It is intended...

Order of Business (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The previous occasion on which Deputy McDonald accused me of performing a U-turn was in respect of the national minimum wage. She was wrong about that. She is wrong on this occasion with regard to the many more U-turns she is imagining-----

Order of Business (21 Apr 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: -----and attributing to the Government. The EU-IMF programme will be debated for two days in the House when it returns from the Easter recess. The memorandum of understanding will be published when it is completed. It has not yet been completed. As stated earlier, we were presented with a report on the sale of State assets by the McCarthy group. That report will be considered by the...