Results 13,741-13,760 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (3 Jul 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 283 together. No appointments have been made to State boards, bodies, committees or other like entities under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs in the period 24 May to date. Vacancies are due to arise in the following bodies over the next six months: The terms of office of the current Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) expired...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Jul 2007)

Dermot Ahern: It is disappointing that the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland found that there is insufficient evidence at this time for further prosecutions arising out of the third Stevens report into alleged collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and the security forces. The announcement that there will be no further prosecutions does not address the serious underlying issues arising from...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (3 Jul 2007)

Dermot Ahern: EU- Russia relations have entered a difficult period. There are disputes between Russia and a number of EU Member States, specifically the UK, Poland and the Baltic States. A series of incidents, most notably the murders of journalist Anna Politkovskaya in Moscow and former FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko in London, have raised concerns about developments in Russia. In a number of important...

Written Answers — European Security and Defence Policy: European Security and Defence Policy (3 Jul 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland continues to play an active role in the development and implementation of European Security and Defence Policy. Along with our EU partners, we undertake regular reviews of ESDP missions and capabilities, including at the European Council last month, and at the joint meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers in May. Members of the Defence Forces are currently participating in ESDP...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (3 Jul 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Unfortunately, no part of the world is totally free from human rights abuses. As has been made clear on previous occasions, it is not the policy of the government to draw up any kind of "league table" of countries deemed guilty of the worst human rights abuses. Ireland closely monitors developments in the human rights situation throughout the world and where the situation warrants, we make...

Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (28 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: There has been no change in our policy towards Cuba. The European Union's 1996 Common Position on Cuba remains the basis of both the European Union's and Ireland's approach to relations with that country. The overriding objective of Ireland and our European Union partners in our relations with Cuba is to encourage, but not to enforce by external coercion, a process of transition to pluralist...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (28 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I deeply regret the decision of the Burmese regime to renew the detention order on Aung San Suu Kyi for a further year on 26 May. I would again urgently call on the Burmese government to immediately rescind this order and to release all political detainees. This would be an important and significant step towards the regime's professed gaol of a return to civilian democratic government in...

Written Answers — Interpretation Act 2005: Interpretation Act 2005 (27 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The purpose of the Interpretation Act 2005 is to assist in the proper interpretation of statutes, regulations and other subordinate legislation. Section 22 of the Act clarifies that a power to make a statutory instrument includes the power to repeal, amend, or replace it. The Interpretation Act 2005 came into operation on 1 January 2006. Since that date, the only Order I have made which...

Leaders' Questions (27 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy's interruptions did not do him much good during the election.

Leaders' Questions (27 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Which party is that?

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 371, 372 and 375 together. The Government attaches the highest priority to the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the United States, and takes every opportunity in contacts with US political leaders to emphasise the importance of addressing this matter in a sympathetic and pragmatic manner. Immigration reform is one of the most contentious and high profile...

Written Answers — Passport Applications: Passport Applications (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Irish passports are only issued to Irish citizens. In the case of the baby referred to in the Deputy's question, if (as seems to be implied) his/her father was born in Ireland, then the baby is automatically an Irish citizen. In order to obtain a passport for the baby, a passport application form can be obtained from the office of our Honorary Consuls in either Bangkok or Phuket, at the...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland established formal diplomatic relations with the Ukraine in 1992 and our Ambassador to the Czech Republic is accredited there on a non-resident basis. There are regular contacts at political and official level, while the economic relationship between the two countries is growing. As I believe the Deputy will appreciate, any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken...

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The Government are completely opposed to the practice of so-called extraordinary rendition, as were the previous Government. Our concerns in relation to this matter have been made clear to the highest levels of the US Government, including by the Taoiseach to President Bush. The Government received specific assurances from the US authorities, confirmed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice,...

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The use of Shannon airport by aircraft continuing to transport US troops is wholly in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions on Afghanistan and Iraq. In relation to Iraq, UN Security Council Resolutions 1511 and 1546 explicitly call on UN member States to assist the multinational force in Iraq. Subsequent Resolutions have annually renewed the mandate of the multinational forces,...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The Government is gravely concerned about the plight of the vulnerable people of the Darfur region of Sudan. In cooperation with our international partners, we continue to pursue all possible avenues to provide them with increased security and support. In my direct contacts with the Sudanese Foreign Minister in July and September 2006, I called on his Government to agree to UN engagement in...

Written Answers — Capital Expenditure: Capital Expenditure (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no capital projects approved in my Department this year that exceed the financial threshold for a cost benefit analysis.

Election of Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Resumed) (26 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: I am sure he will survive.

Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion (14 Jun 2007)

Dermot Ahern: Fine Gael's advertising campaign was the most negative of all.

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (24 Apr 2007)

Dermot Ahern: The table provides the information requested in respect of personal appointees employed on contract by the Minister for Foreign Affairs: Personal appointees employed on contract by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Name Role/Title Date ofAppointment Pay-Scale Pension Contribution Mr. Ciarán Ó Cuinn Special Adviser (non-established) 30 September 2004 Principal Officer Standard Scale...