Results 1,121-1,140 of 3,523 for speaker:Lucinda Creighton

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement: Discussion with Minister of State (8 May 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: There is a lot in that. In terms of Nagorno-Karabakh and the ongoing so-called frozen conflict, from the point of view of the OSCE Ireland was very involved. It is a very delicate and difficult situation, and one to which the OSCE probably has the greatest contribution to make. There is a rich energy supply from many countries in the region. It is in the interests of the EU to foster...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement: Discussion with Minister of State (8 May 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: Let me start with Deputy Byrne. Some of the points were touched on by Senator Mullins. There is no simple solution to the BiH situation. While I take on board the viewpoint that the EU has not done enough to support it, one could equally argue that BiH has not done enough to help itself down the path. Even among its community in Ireland, there is a sense of grievance about other countries...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement: Discussion with Minister of State (8 May 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: Deputy Smith asked about countries' candidate status and the likely period before accession. At this stage it is pretty certain that Croatia will join the EU on 1 July. There were some legacy issues that had to be resolved before the ratification could take place in the Slovenian Parliament. That has happened. I am pleased to say we were able to play a constructive role as Presidency in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement: Discussion with Minister of State (8 May 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to address the joint committee, given that it is Europe Week. I am very honoured to have been invited to discuss enlargement policy and the European neighbourhood policy. As members are aware, this is vast when one considers all the countries involved and the very heavy EU workload. I will try to be concise, while touching on all of the main...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Accountability in the EU: Discussion with Minister of State (7 May 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I thank members for their thought-provoking contributions. While I cannot begin to try to predict the future of Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia, Spain or France, what is clear is that it would be inaccurate to suggest the crisis is behind us. A great deal of work still needs to be done at European Union level. If I had my way, the first step taken at EU level would be to implement the commitment...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Accountability in the EU: Discussion with Minister of State (7 May 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: It is nice to see the Acting Chairman in his role today and I am delighted to have an opportunity to address the committee, as it has been a while since I have had the chance to do it. I am very pleased to be here today. It is 63 years since Robert Schuman presented a proposal for the creation of a community of European nation states, a community which would be bound together by shared...

Maternity Protection (Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas) Bill 2013: Second Stage [Private Members] (19 Apr 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I pay tribute to the work undertaken by Deputy Ó Fearghaíl in the development of this Bill. It addresses important issues, which clearly need attention. The debate has been informative and productive. However, I still urge the Deputy to reflect on what the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Kehoe, said earlier on the role that Whips could play in...

Other Questions: Common Foreign and Security Policy (28 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I hope the Ceann Comhairle receives his too.

Other Questions: International Agreements (28 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: It is fair to say that is the intention.

Other Questions: International Agreements (28 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: The sensitivity with regard to neighbouring ambassadors concerns the issue of political recognition. Our policy has been and continues to be that this is something we are not prepared to do. Even when there has been ministerial engagement with Taiwan from other EU countries, it has been at a very low level. In fact, it is very infrequent. The vast majority of countries have not engaged at...

Other Questions: International Agreements (28 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together and to make a statement. Ireland, along with all EU partners, adheres to the one China policy and as a result does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This does not, however, preclude the development of economic and trade relations. Ireland, together with our EU partners, sees the benefit of encouraging trade with Taiwan and will...

Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (7 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: The criminal justice system must have the capacity to deter criminality, to detect crime when it is committed, to prosecute offenders and to ensure that whatever punishments are handed down by the courts are served. The law-abiding decent citizenry of this country deserves no less. However, when a person has paid his or her debt to society, it is in the best interests of society and of the...

Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (7 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am standing in for Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, who is in Brussels to chair a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. I am pleased on his behalf to be able to present the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 to the House today. Over the years many interest groups have called for the...

Meath East By-election: Issue of Writ (5 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: Thanks for that.

Meath East By-election: Issue of Writ (5 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: Fianna Fáil would know all about that.

Meath East By-election: Issue of Writ (5 Mar 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: Fianna Fáil should put that information on its leaflets.

Seanad: Ireland's Presidency of the European Council: Statements (26 Feb 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I have covered many of the points that have been raised.

Seanad: Ireland's Presidency of the European Council: Statements (26 Feb 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: Although the idea is neither on the EU's radar nor a current proposal, it has a great deal of merit. The Senator raised it with me previously. I confess that I have been so consumed by Presidency issues since the start of January that I have not had an opportunity to consider it. I will discuss the idea with the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, who-----

Seanad: Ireland's Presidency of the European Council: Statements (26 Feb 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I thank the Senator. Many more issues were raised, but I have touched on the main points. I apologise if I have missed anything, but I will undoubtedly return.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Free Travel Scheme Eligibility (26 Feb 2013)

Lucinda Creighton: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection. When spousal and companion passes are taken into account, there are more than 1.1 million customers with some free travel eligibility and in excess of 745,000 customers with direct eligibility. Expenditure on the scheme was frozen at 2010 levels by the last Government, leaving a provision for the scheme in 2013 of ¤77...