Results 101-120 of 732 for speaker:Cathal Berry

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I agree with the sentiments expressed. The concept I am trying to introduce is that there are consequences to our actions. I am not sure that has been factored into the debate over the past number of weeks. We should always be mindful of the second and third order effects. We do not want to compromise our other vital operations in the Middle East. I know South Africa has no troops in the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I also agree. If Ireland's response is part of a wider grouping like the EU or the international community I anticipate there would be no adverse effects. However, if we choose to go unilaterally we must expect consequences. In a similar vein there is also the question of sanctions if Ireland were to unilaterally sanction Israel. Has any...

Tribunal of Inquiry into certain matters relating to the Complaints Processes in the Defence Forces: Motion (24 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I am grateful for the opportunity to make some very brief comments on the tribunal being established. I also welcome the Defence Forces veterans to the Gallery. They are hugely welcome, as well they know. I welcome the establishment of the tribunal. It cannot come soon enough as far as I am concerned. I note the comments from Deputy O'Callaghan on the terms of reference. The...

Post-European Council Meeting: Statements (24 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I am grateful for the opportunity to make some comments on the most recent European Council meeting, which was held before Christmas. I will focus on three areas, namely, Ukraine, the Middle East and the migration issue that was discussed. From a Ukrainian perspective, I am glad there is general consensus at the EU. Obviously, there are a couple of outlying EU states at the moment, but...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Ireland's SIDS Strategy, Impact of Climate Change and Update on Development Co-operation: Department of Foreign Affairs (23 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: I thank Mr. Gaffey and his team for coming in and for their detailed opening statement. I welcome the people in the Public Gallery. The best thing about being on a committee is that you do not come in with a fixed position. Keeping an open mind, you learn a lot from the people who make presentations. I have an observation. This is exactly where we need to be. I commend everyone...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Ireland's SIDS Strategy, Impact of Climate Change and Update on Development Co-operation: Department of Foreign Affairs (23 Jan 2024)

Cathal Berry: Thank you.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: I associate myself with some of the kind comments made this morning about Private Seán Rooney on the first anniversary of his death. I also convey my deepest sympathies to his family and wish Trooper Shane Kearney a speedy recovery who was seriously injured during the incident. This time last year, three investigations were launched to look into the incident, one by the United...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: The investigations into the killing of Private Seán Rooney.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: The United Nations one, the Irish one and the Lebanese one.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Sports Funding (5 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: I call Deputy Durkan. We will then take supplementary questions from two other Deputies..

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Sports Funding (5 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: We will take supplementary questions from Deputies Ó Laoghaire and Murnane O'Connor.

Opt-in under Protocol No. 21: Motion (5 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: I am glad to have the opportunity to make some brief comments on whether we should opt in to this EU directive and whether we should transpose it into Irish legislation. Like the previous speaker, the members of the Regional Group have no major issue with it. We are happy to support its passage for three reasons. It does at least attempt to protect further the integrity of the euro and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Update on Ukraine: Discussion (5 Dec 2023)

Cathal Berry: I welcome the ambassador, her team and Mr. Merezhko, who is in Ukraine. I was intrigued by what the ambassador said about a Canadian initiative to establish a coalition for the return of children. She said a meeting was planned in Kyiv on 8 December. I had not heard of that before. Does she know if Ireland is involved? Is Ireland sending a representative?

Capital Supply Service and Purpose Report Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) [Private Members] (29 Nov 2023)

Cathal Berry: I want to add my voice to thank Deputy Shanahan for doing all the leg work and Ms Cáit Nic Amhlaoibh, our group administrator, for doing all the heavy lifting in getting this very important Bill before the House this morning. I am glad the Minister of State actually picked up on the constructive nature of the Bill as well. That is precisely the intended purpose. It is meant to be...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Supplementary)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Supplementary) (28 Nov 2023)

Cathal Berry: I thank the Minister of State for his detailed opening statement as well as the detailed briefing note. It is great we could do the forensic scrutiny long before he came before the committee. It was great that we had all the detailed information in advance. Not only do I have no objection to the additional €71 million but I welcome it. Ireland has a good surplus and it is in its...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Supplementary)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Supplementary) (28 Nov 2023)

Cathal Berry: That is good to hear. Ireland is in financial surplus at the moment but we might not always be in surplus. That dovetails nicely to my next point on purchasing residential embassies and ambassadors’ residences abroad. I think that is a good practice. Rent is great for a couple of years because you get to sound out the neighbourhood. However, when the country is as financially rich...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Supplementary)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Supplementary) (28 Nov 2023)

Cathal Berry: It is interesting to see a part of the State apparatus that is not an expense; it actually generates income. It is good. Well done to the Minister of State and his team.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Cathal Berry: I have a follow-up question about the triple lock. The Tánaiste said he would bring amendments before the House. Is there any indication of when we will see those amendments? My second question is intended to be constructive. What would the Tánaiste think about some of his officials briefing Opposition Deputies and spokespersons on defence and foreign affairs? Perhaps that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Nov 2023)

Cathal Berry: I want to raise a matter of national significance and importance. It has a pensions component as well a national security component. I refer to the impending retirement of the deputy Garda commissioner for policing and security, who will most likely retire in March or April next year. Unfortunately, not a single serving member of An Garda Síochána has applied for promotion to...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Nov 2023)

Cathal Berry: I thank the Tánaiste for that useful response. It appears that there is at least an acknowledgement that there is a problem and that the problem can be addressed. My concern is that if it is not addressed until next summer, there will probably be a gap in that appointment while the deputy commissioner retires. I want to flag this and it is important that this post is filled. There is...