Results 13,521-13,540 of 15,544 for speaker:Helen McEntee

European Council: Statements (25 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: I assure the Deputy that we are putting our best foot forward in both bids, namely, the European Banking Authority and the European Medicines Agency. We feel that we have two credible bids. We are realistic, however, and we will most likely not get both although we feel that we have the ability, infrastructure, proximity and the capability to house both of them. At the moment, we are...

European Council: Statements (25 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: With regard to the last question, as far as I am aware the issue was not raised at last week's meetings. I can come back to the Deputy on the issue though. On the current trial, as I clearly stated, we do not agree with a lot of what is happening in Turkey. We believe that we need to keep the lines of communication open. With regard to the trial, it was brought to my attention that...

European Council: Statements (25 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: However, in this particular case we do not have officials there but we are keeping a close eye on it. We are keen to see the outcome because this impacts not just on those in Turkey but those outside it also.

European Council: Statements (25 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: I will make my contribution and then deal with the questions. I accompanied the Taoiseach to Brussels last week for the October European Council meeting. As he indicated, I will focus my remarks on the external relations items that were discussed on Thursday evening last. These included a wide-ranging discussion on EU relations with Turkey. Turkey retains candidate status and, although we...

European Council: Statements (25 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: No. It is my understanding in a previous scenario similar to this there was not an ability for an Irish official to attend. A similar circumstance arises now. However, officials are monitoring the situation and will continue to look at it closely. The Deputy asked what we are saying about Turkey. We have been asking that pre-accession funding to Turkey be reassessed and that it be...

Correcting Pension Inequities: Motion [Private Members] (18 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: Taking into account the views of Deputies on this debate so far tonight, I want to reiterate the Government's recognition of the need for fairness and equity in the provision of State pensions and the importance of the issues raised. The State pension system is of primary importance in the provision for the old age of our citizens. There are approximately 680,000 persons over 66 expected to...

Pre-European Council: Statements (18 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: As the Taoiseach indicated, I will focus my remarks on the external relations issues for discussion at the European Council. Then I will touch on some of the issues that were raised by the Deputies. A wide-ranging exchange on Turkey is expected on Thursday evening, while non-proliferation, specifically in regard to North Korea and Iran, will also arise. Other international relations issues...

Legal Metrology (Measuring Instruments) Bill 2017: Order for Report Stage (18 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Seanad: Future of Europe: Statements (12 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: I think so.

Seanad: Future of Europe: Statements (12 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: It is. I wish the Senators well. It is lovely. I begin by thanking the Cathaoirleach, Senator Neale Richmond and Seanad Members for inviting me to address the House today on the future of Europe. I am a firm believer that the national parliaments contribute actively to the good functioning of the European Union. The Lisbon treaty includes provisions which encourage greater involvement by...

Seanad: Future of Europe: Statements (12 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: I thank the House again for providing the time to allow these statements to take place today. It is clear there is great knowledge, but also a great passion, among Senators about this issue. It is clear also that, for the most part, we share the same focus on outcomes, meeting citizens' expectations and recommitting to the values that have allowed the European Union to prosper and move...

Seanad: Future of Europe: Statements (12 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: Any decision on a question as important as independence requires legitimacy, both in the broadest possible political terms and in terms of the legal framework. While I take the Senator's point that thousands of people believe there should be independence, there are thousands of people who would have a different view on that. It is extremely important that we allow this debate to happen...

Seanad: Future of Europe: Statements (12 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: I can touch on that as well. With regard to peace building, Ireland has always been to the fore on peace building. We have always championed that voice and we will continue to do so, both on the European stage and on the global. That will not change. We talk about EU co-operation being crucial. Different scenarios are being put forward on integration and the direction in which we should...

Seanad: Future of Europe: Statements (12 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: We must discuss trade in the wider conversation. In terms of transparency and how the European Parliament and Commission works, these are things that have been transformed in recent years. We are very proud to have Emily O'Reilly, a former Ombudsman and Information Commissioner for Ireland but now the European Ombudsman, working on our behalf and ensuring that there is transparency...

Financial Resolutions 2018 - Financial Resolution No. 4: General (Resumed) (11 Oct 2017)

Helen McEntee: I also welcome the opportunity to contribute to this evening's debate on budget 2018. This is the first budget in ten years about which we can say that we are balancing our books. The money that is going out is equal to the money coming in. This is a significant milestone which should not be underestimated. It means that, as a country, we are moving towards more secure economic waters in...

Topical Issue Debate: Catalan Referendum (21 Sep 2017)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Ireland enjoys very close relations with Spain. These relations are, of course, deeper and more textured than simply involving periodic government-to-government relations, developing trade ties or occasional encounters at multilateral events. Our close friendship has at its heart an empathy nurtured by generations of contacts between our people....

Topical Issue Debate: Catalan Referendum (21 Sep 2017)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputy for his response. I have listened to his contributions. My view is that Spanish citizens should be allowed to determine for themselves, using their own democratic institutions and legal safeguards, what their preferred arrangements within their own country will be. The range of options or opinions on the issue of Catalonia is to be expected. I am grateful to have the...

Topical Issue Debate: Middle East Issues (21 Sep 2017)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As he knows, he Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was notified immediately by one of the persons concerned about their deportation. They have since written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, and his Department has further discussed the events with some of them to get a clear picture of what happened. The...

Topical Issue Debate: Middle East Issues (21 Sep 2017)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Deputy. With regard to the timeframe, our officials were in contact immediately after this happened and, as I said, are in constant communication with the relevant authorities. It is currently a Jewish holiday, and while that may delay things, we would expect to have a response as quickly as possible. While the deportation of pro-Palestinian activists from Israel is not...

Other Questions: Human Rights (21 Sep 2017)

Helen McEntee: Regarding the freedom of the city, it is a matter for Dublin City Council. It was a decision made by the council in the first place, so any decision on this has to be taken by it.