Results 15,461-15,480 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — EU Legislation: EU Legislation (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My Department does not as a rule directly implement EU legislation and therefore the question of seeking exemptions from EU directives or regulations in my Department's area of responsibility does not arise.

Written Answers — First World War: First World War (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My officials met with the British Ministry of Defence in London on 6 February 2004 to discuss the 26 Irish born soldiers who were executed by the British army during the First World War for alleged breaches of military law. At that meeting it was agreed that the British side would forward the courts martial case files for the Irish men in question, and that in response we would formally set...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: In the event that concrete evidence of any EU state holding detainees incommunicado on behalf of the USA was ever to emerge, the Government would consider what action to take in light of the facts of the case. I have no knowledge of any plans other High Contracting Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights may have in this regard.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Yes.

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Since assuming office as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have not travelled, in the course of my duties, by mainline or commuter train, or by Luas.

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: As none of the proposals in the national spatial strategy fall within the policy remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, there have been no significant changes implemented by the Department as a result of the delivery of the strategy. Thus no costs, benefits or savings for my Department have directly accrued. The Deputy may wish to note that, in the context of advancing co-operation on an...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Paragraphs 27 to 29 of the joint declaration summarise the initiatives which are to be taken by the British Government to enable communities, both loyalist and nationalist, to become committed stakeholders in a peaceful and prosperous society. The British Government was specifically mandated in paragraph 27 of the joint declaration to review good community relations and to bring forward a...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The policy with regard to the 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service is the responsibility of the Department of Finance. My Department has committed itself in its human resources strategy to full participation in the Government's programme of positive action aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The guidelines for...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The provision of information with regard to the implementation of EU directives is a matter for each concerned Government Department. This also applies to reasoned opinions and letters of formal notice. My Department, which has an overall co-ordinating role in relation to EU matters, does not as a rule implement any European Union legislation and is not currently implementing any such...

Written Answers — North-South Co-operation: North-South Co-operation (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Government's objective is the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the restoration of the institutions, including the North-South Ministerial Council. A particular priority is to develop North-South co-operation to the mutual benefit of the people in both parts of the island. The North-South section in my Department works closely with all Departments to advance this...

Written Answers — Illegal Immigrants: Illegal Immigrants (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy will be aware from recent debates and responses to questions in the House, that the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the US is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. In all our contacts with United States political leaders, including when the Taoiseach and I met with President Bush earlier in the year, we emphasise the importance of addressing the situation in a...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representations: Diplomatic Representations (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My Department, through the Irish Embassy in Pretoria, became aware of the arrest of the person mentioned by the Deputy in April 2002 in South Africa on charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the Aliens Act. I understand that the three counts arose from his alleged illegal residence in South Africa. The embassy provided consular assistance to him and his family, including raising...

Leaders' Questions. (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: We are paying GPs too much.

Leaders' Questions. (15 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Opposition should not behave like a fascist party. They should let the Taoiseach speak.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Efforts by illegal migrants from sub-Saharan Africa to transit through Morocco in order to enter Spanish territory have been a growing problem for Spain and Morocco, and for the EU in general, in recent years. This situation poses significant difficulties for the States involved. Of equal concern are the serious risks to which the migrants expose themselves, as the method most often used has...

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together. The wearing of foreign military uniforms in the State is governed by section 317 of the Defence Act 1954. The provisions of this section prohibit the wearing of a foreign military uniform without ministerial permission. In accordance with the requirements of the Defence Act 1954, express permission was granted by the then Minister for...

Written Answers — Lisbon Agenda: Lisbon Agenda (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Under the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2004, an EU-wide mid-term review of progress under the Lisbon Agenda was initiated. The outcome of this review was considered by the European Council at its meeting in March 2005. The European Council acknowledged that, five years after the launch of the Lisbon Agenda, the results were mixed. In this context, the European Council agreed to relaunch the...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Priority Question No. 2 — which is identical to this question — of today's date.

Written Answers — Middle East Peace Process: Middle East Peace Process (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 51 and 82 together. The Government, and its partners in the EU, firmly believe that the Quartet roadmap provides the best framework for a lasting and peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are continuing to work with Israel and with the Palestinian Authority to ensure that they take advantage of the opportunity offered by the...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 58 and 101 together. Ireland is gravely concerned by the unrest and loss of life which have occurred in Addis Ababa and some other parts of Ethiopia since 1 November 2005. While order is gradually being restored, I understand that an estimated 48 people died during rioting last week, over 200 were injured. Reliable reports suggest that up to 20,000 people...