Results 9,061-9,080 of 18,459 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Other Questions: Diplomatic Representation (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister for his reply. Will he outline the configuration of the regional units? I presume it is on a geographic basis and takes economic and political interests into consideration as well. As the Minister noted, over the years, there has been, quite rightly and understandably, very close co-operation between representatives of statutory agencies and the diplomatic staff...

Other Questions: Overseas Development Aid (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: I wish to ask two brief questions.

Other Questions: Overseas Development Aid (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: We were not given the reply.

Other Questions: Overseas Development Aid (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: It was the Department's audit committee that recommended the appointment of a chief risk officer and a head of finance. The Minister of State said he hoped the Minister would look at the appointment of a chief financial officer. However, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade told us several months ago that this appointment process had already been set in train and...

Other Questions: Diplomatic Representation (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: The Vatican has a relationship with 179 countries and there are 80 resident embassies there. Can the Tánaiste assure us that the idea of a dual location - to have an ambassador accredited to the Holy See as well as to Italy - was considered before the decision was made to appoint a non-resident ambassador?

Other Questions: Diplomatic Representation (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: Is the diplomatic network reviewed annually? Has the Tánaiste given consideration to a review of the necessity for full ambassadors to some of the international organisations? We have had diplomatic relations with the Holy See since 1929. In the sequence of London, Washington and the then League of Nations, it has been one of Ireland's longest established diplomatic relations and is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: I welcome the Tánaiste's statement. He is adopting the right approach. It is an important issue and I tabled a number of Priority Questions on it over the past months in view of the correspondence we receive from interest groups and the absolute humanitarian crisis that has erupted. Some 70,000 people have lost their lives. The Save the Children report referred to boys and girls...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Undocumented Irish in the USA (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress he has made in discussions with the US officials and President Obama regarding the E-3 Visa programme for Irish citizens and the status of the undocumented Irish in upcoming immigration reform legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15822/13]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Undocumented Irish in the USA (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Tánaiste for his reply and welcome his assurance that this very important issue was raised in meetings with Members of Congress and the US Administration, including President Obama. Will he inform the House whether immigration reform generally or the specific inclusion of Irish citizens in the E-3 visa programme was raised with President Obama? While it is always difficult...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Undocumented Irish in the USA (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: Will the Tánaiste assure the House that we will not simply rely on the traditional supporters of Irish causes? It is an issue Deputy John Deasy raised previously. Is a specific effort being made to broaden the base of support within Congress for immigration reform and ensure the issue progresses? It is welcome that there are four Senators from the Republican Party and four from the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made at the 22 and 23 March EU discussions on Syria; the future steps that will be taken by the European Union to address the problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15823/13]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North-South Ministerial Council (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the proposals, if any, there are to discuss the Narrow Water Bridge proposal at North/South Ministerial Council level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15575/13]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions in relation to Syria at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; the decisions taken and follow up action by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15885/13]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Graduate Support Schemes (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he proposes to take to encourage more Irish graduates to apply for jobs in European Union Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15886/13]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, if any, he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to parades and their oversight over the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15887/13]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Enlargement (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of applications of countries that have applied for membership of the European Union; the likely timescale for the progression of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15890/13]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the issues discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/13]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Fuel Laundering (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the powers assigned to the Revenue Commissioners and other statutory agencies are adequate to deal with illegal trading in diesel and other fuel products which results in a major financial loss to the Exchequer and distorts trade on a local basis; the proposals, if any, he intends to introduce to deal with these issues; and if he will...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects Status (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this project is expected to move to the next stage; the likely timescale for the project to reach construction stage; if his attention has been drawn to the fact there is an urgent need to provide appropriate permanent accommodation in view of...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding (28 Mar 2013)

Brendan Smith: To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided by his Department on a yearly basis under the rural water programme to Cavan County Council 2007 to 2013 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15883/13]