Results 15,501-15,520 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — European Security and Defence Policy: European Security and Defence Policy (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 85 together. The European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP, is an integral part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, CFSP, and serves the Union's general objectives of peace and stability. These objectives and the provisions governing the ESDP are set out in the Treaties of Amsterdam and of Nice, which were approved by referendum. In this...

Written Answers — Avian Influenza: Avian Influenza (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 66 together. The General Affairs and External Relations Council, at its meeting of 7 November 2005, discussed the outcome of the recent informal European Council meeting in Hampton Court, the WTO, the financial perspectives for 2007-2013, avian influenza and several items in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. My colleague, the Minister...

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

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 86 together. While regular contact is maintained with the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, through our Permanent Mission in Geneva and Washington Embassy, there has been no specific correspondence between myself and the ICRC on the subject of the prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. The ICRC has visited the US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I assume the Deputy is referring to the EU code of conduct on arms exports. Currently, all exports of arms from EU countries must conform to the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which establishes criteria to control such exports. Ireland was actively involved in the establishment of this politically binding code, which was adopted by the EU General Affairs Council in June 1998. The code...

Written Answers — UN Agencies: UN Agencies (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: As the Deputy is aware, the Irish United Nations Association, IUNA, is a voluntary body and a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations. The task of these associations is to promote and sustain understanding of, and support for, the work of the United Nations among the general public in UN member states. I am very conscious and appreciative of the valuable contribution...

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

Dermot Ahern: The Government's continuing concern about the human rights situation in Belarus is communicated frequently to the Belarus authorities, principally through EU channels but also through bilateral diplomatic contacts, which are relatively active: the Ambassador of Belarus last visited Ireland in April, the Irish Ambassador visited Belarus in May. Our human rights concerns in Belarus were...

Written Answers — US Immigration Policy: US Immigration Policy (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos 70, 74, 96 and 98 together. The Deputies can be assured that the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the US is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. I would refer Deputies to the reply given by me earlier to the priority question on the same subject. In all our contacts with US political leaders, including when the Taoiseach and I met with...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland and Poland enjoy excellent bilateral relations and work closely together as member states of the European Union where we have many shared interests. We look forward to maintaining this relationship with the new Government under Prime Minister-designate Marcinkiewicz which is seeking parliamentary approval today. Poland's new Foreign Minister, Mr. Stefan Meller, attended this week's...

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

Dermot Ahern: The fifth and final report of the Independent Inquiry Committee, ICC, established by the UN Secretary General to examine irregularities in the operation of the Iraq oil for food programme, OFFP, was issued on 26 October in New York. The report focused on the manner in which the Saddam Hussein regime manipulated the programme to gain illegal income though the imposition of surcharges on...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: My comment regarding the complexity of the issue was in reference to such considerations as the scope of the proposed international arms trade treaty and the wish of its proponents that it be a legally-binding document. Experience within the United Nations in the past has shown that negotiations involving 191 states on such matters have been complex and consensus is often difficult to...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I was delighted to be able to accept an invitation to address the National Forum on Europe at the resumption of its work in Dublin Castle on 20 October. My address was followed by an extended discussion with contributions and questions from the members of the forum, as well as from participants from its special observer pillar, to which I responded. Since its inception, the forum has played a...

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

Dermot Ahern: The advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on 9 July 2004 on the construction of the wall on occupied Palestinian territory is not binding, but it represents a clear and authoritative statement of the position in international law. The Government believes it must be respected. The Government and its partners in the European Union have reaffirmed this position on many...

Written Answers — Consular Services: Consular Services (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The core objective of the Department of Foreign Affairs in providing consular services is to assist and protect the interests of Irish citizens who live or travel abroad. In providing consular services, the Department is guided by a number of international agreements which established international norms for the treatment of non-nationals by host countries. They also prescribe rights of...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representations: Diplomatic Representations (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: As I advised the Deputy on 26 October, Irish officials at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast were asked at the time to seek clarification from the British authorities as to the basis for the arrest of Mr Sean Garland. It was indicated that Mr. Garland was provisionally arrested on foot of a request from the United States Government for his extradition. The request for...

Written Answers — Expressions of Sympathy: Expressions of Sympathy (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I was saddened to learn of the death of Rosa Parks on 24 October last at the age of 92. A formal message of condolence has not been sent to the US ambassador as this would usually be the practice only in the case of current or former office holders. I am pleased, however, to have this opportunity to record the Government's admiration for her remarkable contribution as a civil rights pioneer....

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

Dermot Ahern: I am aware of the matter to which the Deputy refers. I know that a recent television documentary shown here on the return of refugees to North Korea from China has increased awareness and concern on the issue in Ireland. Ireland, together with our partners in the European Union, takes concerns about the human rights situation and the treatment of refugees in China very seriously. Human rights...

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

Dermot Ahern: The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to make inquires to try to establish the facts of the situation. If the information becomes available, I will immediately convey it to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy. It should be noted that a significant number of staff will also have left the Department during this period, on transfer to other Departments or offices. Others will have retired or resigned, or availed of the option to take career breaks or special leave. I am afraid that I am unable to estimate the number of staff that...

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

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 143 together. I would refer the Deputies to my comprehensive reply to Questions Nos. 76 and 112 of 6 October on the security, political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The security situation remains a matter of serious concern. On 21 October nine policemen were killed when suspected Taliban rebels ambushed their convoy in Kandahar province. A...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (10 Nov 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The task force on policy regarding emigrants produced a very good report with wide-ranging conclusions, covering the full range of emigrant needs. Its recommendations were far-reaching and varied and the implementation of some of these will be, by necessity, on a phased basis over a number of years. Considerable progress has already been made, with action underway on over two thirds of its...