Results 15,081-15,100 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: In line with the close attention which the Government gives to parades issues, yesterday I met the chair of the Parades Commission, Roger Poole. I expressed support for the work of the commission and outlined the Government's view that contentious parades should be resolved through meaningful dialogue between the relevant groups. In addition there have been ongoing contacts at official level...

Written Answers — EU Constitution: EU Constitution (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The European constitution is a major issue on the European Union's agenda and is therefore regularly discussed when I meet with my European counterparts. Following the "No" votes in France and the Netherlands, the European Council decided to embark on a period of reflection on the constitution and the future of Europe with a view to responding to the concerns voiced by EU citizens. EU Foreign...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland currently has diplomatic relations with Venezuela on a non-residential basis. The ambassador to Mexico is also accredited to Venezuela. Ireland also has an honorary consul in Caracas. The opening of missions abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. As I believe the Deputy will appreciate, constraints on Government expenditure mean that any expansion of our...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: On 8 December, the detention in Syria of the person referred to by the Deputy, and his proposed deportation to Tunisia, was first brought to the attention of my Department. The Irish Embassy in Cairo immediately instructed the honorary consul in Damascus to inquire about his case and to ascertain whether he was subject to a deportation order. The embassy also requested the honorary consul to...

Written Answers — Nuclear Programmes: Nuclear Programmes (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: There are several dimensions to the action being taken with regard to the potential development of a nuclear capability by Iran. There is an ongoing investigation by the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, to clarify the nature and scope of Iran's nuclear programme, certain aspects of which had not been declared, contrary to its obligations under the safeguards agreement with the...

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The Government and its partners in the EU remain seriously concerned at Israeli activities in the occupied territories, including the building of settlements, house demolitions and continuing construction of the separation barrier on occupied land. These activities are contrary to international law and to obligations under the quartet roadmap. They threaten to undermine a solution based on...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The issue of any possible role for the Government in assisting the development of a conflict resolution process in the Basque country is a matter for the Spanish Government to decide. We have not been approached with such a request. Although I have no reason to believe such a request will be forthcoming, the Government would be willing to offer support in any way deemed helpful by the Spanish...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy Gregory to Priority Question No. 61. The House will be aware of the support the Government has given to the Finucane family in their long campaign for an independent public inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane. We fully agree with them on the need for a public inquiry as recommended by Judge Peter Cory. As the Deputy is aware, the British...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNHCHR, on Colombia on 20 January 2006 states that while a number of indicators of violence at the national level continue to show a downward trend, the human rights situation in Colombia remains problematic. There are credible reports of extra-judicial executions, forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: With the opening of new missions in Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Vietnam in the latter half of last year, Ireland now maintains a network of 55 embassies, six multilateral missions and 13 consulates general overseas. As I believe the Deputy will appreciate, any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken having regard to clear priorities. However, and while...

Written Answers — Democratisation Process: Democratisation Process (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The transition process inaugurated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC, under the 2002 Sun City peace accords is due to conclude formally on 30 June 2006. Over the course of the past four years, major strides have been made in re-establishing a democratic and effective system of government in the DRC. The transitional national Government and Parliament have operated effectively since...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together. Following the Ukrainian people's choice of democracy and reform in the presidential elections of late 2004, Ireland took steps to strengthen bilateral links with Ukraine through increased contact at political level. My visit to Ukraine in July last year and Foreign Minister Tarasyuk's return visit here on 7-8 February constituted the...

Written Answers — International Terrorism: International Terrorism (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is primarily responsible for the integrity and security of the State. He oversees the assessments which the Garda Síochána makes and the operational measures which it takes in relation to terrorism. In addition, as a member of the EU's Justice and Home Affairs Council, he participates in the taking of decisions and the...

Undocumented Irish. (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The Government attaches the highest priority to the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States. In all our contacts with US political leaders, we emphasise the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way. In this regard we welcome the engagement of President Bush on this issue and his support for a humane approach which involves reform as well as...

Undocumented Irish. (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I welcome the support of the Deputy, his party and all Members of the House. It is important that an all-party and all-Oireachtas view be given on this issue. Our efforts are honed in on the legislation proceeding through the Congress. While we should not deviate, other issues and scenarios have been discussed. However, given the small window of opportunity on the legislation, we should not...

Undocumented Irish. (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: President Bush articulated the diverse views of the Congress on this matter. The legislative process has taken the road of a closed border issue and dealing with security. It is now recognised that the Congress will move into a position to try to regularise the 11 million or so undocumented people in the US. I am not ruling out bilateral agreements. Those ideas are on our table and there have...

Northern Ireland Issues. (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The House will be aware of the support which the Government has given to the Finucane family in its long campaign for an independent public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Patrick Finucane. The Government fully agrees with the family on the need for a public inquiry as recommended by Judge Peter Cory. The British Government's current position is that it proposes to hold an inquiry under the UK...

Northern Ireland Issues. (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: I reiterate the Government's support for what was agreed at Weston Park. Since the publication of the Inquiries Act, Judge Cory indicated he was not satisfied the proposed inquiry under the new legislation would be in accordance with the recommendation he gave on this and other inquiries, including the Breen and Buchanan inquiry into two murders in my constituency. The latter is being carried...

Northern Ireland Issues. (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: The issue of the Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk bombings are the subject of a separate inquiry.

Northern Ireland Issues. (22 Feb 2006)

Dermot Ahern: While there is a view that British Government co-operation is not as it should be, there are some indications that further information may be produced.