Results 1,461-1,480 of 9,894 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Journalists in Conflicts across the World: Statements (24 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí uilig as an díospóireacht chuimsitheach inniu maidir le hiriseoirí in áiteanna ina bhfuil coimhlint iontu timpeall an domhain. I add my condolences to the families of Shireen Abu Akleh and Pierre Zakrzewski and his colleague Oleksandra Kuvshynova. They are three of the most well-known journalists who have been killed in...

Seanad: Europe Day 2022: Statements (11 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: It is very fitting that today's statements in the Seanad and yesterday's statements in the Dáil coincide with the 50th anniversary of the week in which we held a referendum in Ireland to join the European Economic Community, EEC, as it was known at that time. We voted by 83% in favour and why would we not do so? It was a huge opportunity for us. There was also the reality that our...

Seanad: Europe Day 2022: Statements (11 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I am delighted to be here in the Seanad, listening to the debate. As usual with these debates, there have been many facts aired but also some fake news. Senator Flynn was giving us stark facts about the European Union and how ethnic minorities and the Traveller community have been protected by the Union. They continue to be and I pay tribute to the chief executive of the European...

Europe Day: Statements (10 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: We have had some interesting contributions, but to be honest, at some points this debate has been a fact-free zone. I refer to Deputy Michael Collins and funding for piers in Cork this year from the European Brexit adjustment fund. He came in and made a point that a pier was not funded, when only a few weeks ago the most money ever was given to piers in Ireland, including Cork and his...

Europe Day: Statements (10 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: That is not correct.

Europe Day: Statements (10 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: We have spent more.

Europe Day: Statements (10 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: We have done a lot more.

Europe Day: Statements (10 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: It is particularly fitting that today's statements coincide with a most important anniversary, that is, the 50th anniversary of when Ireland voted 83% in favour of joining the then European Economic Community, EEC. Support for our EU membership has been consistent since then; in fact, it has increased to 88%. The Government's EU50 programme this year will provide opportunities to reflect on...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Why is there a ban in Northern Ireland on the burning of turf? In large parts of north Europe it is illegal to burn turf.

Government Response to Situation in Ukraine: Statements (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: From the response we have seen from the Government which has been outlined in the House today it is obvious that we, as a State, have done a significant amount so far to support Ukrainian war refugees coming to Ireland for safety while their country continues to suffer an unconscionable attack from Russia. We have reacted quickly in putting processes in place to welcome Ukrainians coming to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus leis an gcoiste as an-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim buíochas le baill an choiste as an gcuireadh teacht anseo chun comhrá ginearálta a bheith againn agus chun na nithe a thagann amach as Comhairle na hEorpa maidir leis an bhfreagracht atá ag an Aontas Eorpach as an gcogadh san Úcráin a phlé. Tosóidh mé an plé leis an suíomh mar atá sé maidir leis an Úcráin agus...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: As for the impact of sanctions, the Government's position has always been that Ireland supports the widest possible sanctions on Russia, and indeed on Belarus, including sanctions on energy. There is now a wide commitment to eliminate our dependence on certain energy sources, particularly oil. Sanctions in that case have been implemented really quickly. The first few rounds of sanctions...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Deputy for his questions. I will answer them in reverse order. The Deputy is correct that we have given support to agencies that are working in Moldova. There is a genuine interest from the Government in helping Moldova more generally. There is comprehensive support from Government. Before Christmas, I met the Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I do not get the question.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I am not going to get into the neutrality debate because that is a matter for the Irish people. It is fair to say, however, that the context for such debate has completely changed. When it was a case of wars consisting of cavalry battles in Crimea and Ukraine in earlier times, we could stand back and be neutral about such battles on the field. The reality now, though, is that this war is...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Russia has been opposed to the EU for a long time-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: -----and it has nothing to do with militarism. It is because we are democracies and concerned with freedom, human rights, economic progress and people doing well. Those are things which Russia does not want or care about for its citizens, but Ukraine does want them. We must have no illusions. Russia has been trying to undermine the EU probably in every member state at various times, and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Response to the War in Ukraine: Discussion (30 Mar 2022)

Thomas Byrne: We have seen it happen in this country too, but we have seen particular examples abroad. I will not name them here. We should be firm and stand up for the EU. It has, effectively, been the greatest peace project ever undertaken, and I am not going to attribute descriptions of it as being a military alliance. Clearly, countries want to defend themselves. When I meet my colleagues from the...