Results 8,401-8,420 of 13,291 for speaker:Joe McHugh

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Expenditure (21 Mar 2017)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 586, 587 and 604 to 606, inclusive, together. The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for international development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (21 Mar 2017)

Joe McHugh: We have been following the situation in Ethiopia closely, and with concern, since the declaration of a state of emergency in October last. Ireland and Ethiopia have developed a strong bilateral relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. Ethiopia is one of Ireland’s key partner countries for development cooperation, and we have developed strong political and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Provision (21 Mar 2017)

Joe McHugh: Ethiopia has been a key partner country for Ireland’s development assistance since 1994. Our assistance has at all times been focused on the most vulnerable people and communities in the country, regardless of their political views or affiliation. Last year, we provided some €29 million in long term development assistance in Ethiopia and a further €6.65 million in...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Renewable Energy Projects (9 Mar 2017)

Joe McHugh: Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Seanadóir fá choinne na ceiste seo a ardú ar maidin. Tá mé sásta bheith ar ais sa Seanad arís. I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. On 30 November last the European Commission published the Clean Energy for All Europeans package which included eight legislative proposals. Included...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Renewable Energy Projects (9 Mar 2017)

Joe McHugh: I will have no problem in relaying that message. To reiterate the Senator's point about the sugar industry, it was the single biggest decision that affected many farmers and the industry in a negative way. We are all agreed on that point. A lot of people are saying it should not have happened. After the decision was made in 2011 the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (9 Mar 2017)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions 178 and 179 together. I am deeply concerned about the situation of the more than 20 million people currently facing famine, or threat of famine, in Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan and north east Nigeria. It is also of grave concern that intractable conflict is the main driver of the humanitarian emergencies for people in these countries. Ireland, working...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid Provision (8 Mar 2017)

Joe McHugh: I am extremely concerned about the worsening humanitarian crises in South Sudan and Yemen. Famine was declared in parts of South Sudan in recent weeks and the UN is now calling for urgent action to avoid famine in Yemen. Conflict is having a severe impact on the populations in both countries, leading to acute hunger and increased displacement. We use every opportunity we have internationally...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (28 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 454, 469 and 473 together. I am very concerned about the situation in South Sudan, particularly in light of the declaration of famine in parts of the country this week. The UN has estimated that 100,000 people are facing starvation, with a further one million people on the brink of famine. Three UN agencies have also warned that urgent action is needed...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Programmes (28 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: The Emigrant Support Programme administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides funding for projects to support and engage Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of deeper and more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish community. The Emigrant Support Programme prioritises culturally sensitive, frontline welfare services that address the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Data (28 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: This year the Government has allocated a total of €651 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA), an increase of €10 million on the 2016 allocation. This is the second consecutive year we have increased the overall allocation to ODA. Of this total, €486 million will be managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Vote 27 International Cooperation....

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: Tá mé fíorbhuíoch bheith anseo inniu fá choinne an díospóireacht seo maidir le daoine Éireannacha thar lear. Ba mhaith liom mo aitheantas agus mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le Ceannaire an tSeanad fá choinne an cuireadh seo a thabhairt dom. Since my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora and overseas development...

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: I had a comprehensive reply ready for each point. Given that I only have five minutes, I will try to get through as many as possible.

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: I am happy if Members are happy.

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: There is enough goodwill in the Chamber to ensure that we figure this out.

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: I acknowledge Fianna Fáil’s role in ensuring that diaspora policy was recognised in the first instance. Senator Davitt referenced the American presidential election and the fear of the undocumented about executive orders. The Senator’s specific question was on the Taoiseach’s role on St. Patrick’s Day. We have a strategic approach. It did not just happen...

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: That is how I figure things out. We can work together. We can take the education information from today’s debate and put it on the table of the Higher Education Authority and the Minister for Education and Skills, given the education deficit issue in the third-level sector. I do not mean to be crude about it, but it is also an opportunity for funding. Let us consider that space. I...

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: I covered Senator Ruane's point about the education potential and I am willing to work with the Seanad on that. Senator Higgins raised a very important point on the fears about the executive orders in America. She also talked about Brexit, our history and moral authority and obligation. I agree entirely with the Senator. I also go to countries wearing my other hat, that of Minister of...

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: I could see it in some of their eyes. Some of them have not been home in 25 years for different reasons. There are people looking after them in some instances and we have to ensure that the welfare agencies in London and throughout greater Britain look after them. We need to look after them because they are with us. They are still Irish citizens. I certainly will ensure that we continue...

Seanad: The Diaspora: Statements (23 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: The Senator has two surnames. I apologise. The Senator referred to the interdepartmental committee on the Irish abroad. I accept it takes in the returning emigrants but we must be clear too that it is an interdepartmental committee on the Irish abroad. It takes in everything. I am prepared to work with the Senator on the challenges therein. The Senator spoke of the inherent rights of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Expenditure (22 Feb 2017)

Joe McHugh: In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, and the unprecedented level of humanitarian need globally, there is recognition internationally of the need for comprehensive policy approaches linking conflict, peace and security and development. Increasing volumes of aid are being allocated to respond to conflicts and crises and in support of addressing their root...