Results 9,381-9,400 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: I maintain regular contact with stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including political parties, civic society, and the business community. I spoke with party leaders earlier this month and reiterated the importance that the Government places on the restoration of all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. The formal means for the Government to develop North South cooperation is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has been a longstanding champion of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda at the UN. It was a key priority for Ireland's membership of the Security Council and continues to be. Ireland co-chaired the Informal Expert Group – a working group of the Security Council – on WPS, which ensures close engagement with the senior leadership of UN missions in monitoring actions...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries, as indeed EU membership has been for Ireland over the last 50 years. Unfortunately, Russia’s...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The promotion and protection of human rights is a foreign policy priority for Ireland. As well as bilaterally through our mission network, Ireland contributes strongly to United Nations and European Union efforts to prevent, monitor and eliminate human rights violations and abuses. Human rights violations are a root cause of conflict and insecurity, while a commitment to, and respect...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. The EU has also imposed the most extensive package of sanctions in its history, in response to Russia's aggression, and in coordination with other like-minded...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan is completely unacceptable. Over the last year and a half, since the fall of Kabul, women have been ordered by the Taliban to stop using certain public amenities, are severely restricted in terms of their freedom of movement and have been banned from most areas of the workforce. The December 2022 edicts by the Taliban, prohibiting...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Promotion (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Department of Foreign Affairs’ mission network plays an important role in promoting Irish trade throughout the world.  This network of embassies and consulates is central to the Team Ireland approach, which sees Government Departments and State Agencies working closely with other Irish stakeholders to strengthen Ireland's international reputation and drive the development...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: Respect for the rule of law is a cornerstone of liberal democracy and, as such, integral to Ireland’s foreign policy. As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am committed to its promotion at home, throughout Europe and beyond. The European Union is inherently a community of values. Collectively these values underpin the EU’s strength, integrity and coherence,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland strongly advocates for democracy, democratic values, the rule of law, civil society space, and respect for human rights as key foreign policy priorities, across our bilateral, EU and multilateral engagement, including at the UN Human Rights Council and at the UN Security Council. Ireland calls on all States to adhere to their international commitments and obligations, including...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Passports Act, 2008, sets out the legislative basis for processing and issuing Irish passports.  To comply with the legislative requirements, meet increased demand and effectively serve Irish citizens globally, the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to promote a digital first agenda for the Passport Service. To date, this has seen the Passport Service deliver...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The recruitment of child soldiers remains a serious problem with tens of thousands of children recruited into conflicts around the world. During Ireland’s term on the UN Security Council, we consistently engaged on Children And Armed Conflict (CAAC), including as an active member of the UN Security Council Working Group on CAAC and through a number of resolutions. Ireland participated...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department is actively engaged in providing support to undocumented Irish citizens living in the United States.  The Embassy of Ireland in Washington, as well as our eight Consulates-General across the U.S., work closely with Irish immigration centres that provide support and information to our citizens, including the undocumented. Many of these groups, including the Coalition of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: I note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy. Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.  Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Embassy of Ireland in Mexico City currently holds Ireland's accreditation to Cuba and is actively engaged on the bilateral relationship with Cuba, regularly interacting with the Cuban authorities, the Irish community in Cuba and the EU Delegation in Havana. Officials in my Department maintain frequent contact with the Embassy of Cuba in Dublin on a range of issues and initiatives in...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Illegal Dumping (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy is aware, a mediated agreement was reached between my Department and Kildare County Council in regard to this matter. As a result of the outcome of that agreement the Department of Defence engaged the services of environmental consultants to carry out a Natura Impact Statement and an Environmental Impact Statement incorporating a restoration plan for the area in question....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: As of 1 February 2023, there are 5 members of the Permanent Defence Force on secondment to other Government Departments or International Bodies.  The secondments are detailed, by rank and location, in the following table: Rank Number of Seconded  United Nations Brigadier General (Acting Major General) 1 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: Since I was appointed as Minister for Defence, no advisers have taken up employment in this Department.  I have appointed Ms. Gráinne Weld as a special adviser.  Ms. Weld has been appointed as adviser to me as Minister for Defence and also as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.  Ms. Weld’s appointment is subject to Government approval, pursuant...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015.The Plan is iterative in nature thus ensuring that it remains relevant and that investment is targeted where most needed. A midterm review of the Plan was recently completed by my Department and the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: The mission of the Army Equitation School is to promote the Irish Horse through participation in international competition at the highest level. The Army Equitation School has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years and, through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Official Travel (31 Jan 2023)

Micheál Martin: In line with Circular 01/2020 issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Government Departments, Offices and agencies are, with effect from 1 January 2020, required to record, monitor, and value the greenhouse gas emissions associated with official air travel usage and, no later than 28 February each year, make a payment to the Fund Manager of the statutory Climate Action...