Results 15,761-15,780 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

EU Enlargement. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: A task force, involving representatives of a number of EU member states, met Ms Del Ponte before the start of the discussions on Croatia's accession to the EU. The EU Foreign Ministers made their decision on the basis of a report that was issued to the General Affairs and External Relations Council by Ms Del Ponte. To be fair, the issue of Croatia's accession was not linked at any stage with...

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I thank all Members who have spoken, particularly those who were constructive in their support. I also thank the parties for the support they have given to this motion. I cannot let the occasion pass without referring to what I regard as an attack on officials, perhaps for political purposes, regarding the way they respond to our citizens abroad. I am astounded at the work rate and assistance...

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I know that. I know Fine Gael was told this was the case, as we were on many occasions, by our embassy officials in particular. This is an important day and I regret we do not have more time to discuss this matter. I am open to the possibility of returning to the Chamber as the debate in the United States progresses. Perhaps we could organise this between the Whips. I welcome the all-party...

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: We know Deputy Durkan has never been in Government. He has no experience.

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: No, I will not. I am informed that it is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I move: That Dáil Éireann, concerned at the plight of undocumented Irish people living in difficult circumstances in the United States of America: —welcomes the high priority being given by the US President and Congress to addressing the issue of immigration reform in a way which takes account of the particular position of the undocumented, and also of the security of US borders;...

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy should not start that. This is supposed to be a non-party issue.

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Howlin obviously forgot what it was like to be a Minister.

Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Deputy Stagg assumes it did not happen in his time.

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: A meeting with this delegation was arranged in order to enable me to discuss the sectarian violence which has occurred in north Antrim in recent weeks and to hear its views on how to prevent a recurrence of these attacks.

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The subject matter of the parliamentary question to which the Deputy refers is the continuing house arrest in Burma of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The Government has consistently highlighted the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Burma and condemned the lack of progress towards democracy. The continuing house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other opposition activists and a number of...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Government takes concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet, and elsewhere in China, very seriously. Human rights issues are a constant point of discussion in our bilateral, and European Union level, dialogue with the Chinese authorities. Ireland established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1979 and has from that time recognised Tibet as an integral part...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: In the 18 months since former President Bertrand Aristide resigned and left Haiti in February 2004, the political situation in the country has remained volatile and insecure. The transitional government led by Prime Minister Gerard Latortue has had very limited success in stabilising the security situation in the country and the Haitian National Police continues to struggle to maintain law...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: On 27 June last, I attended a summit level meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference co-chaired by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, at 10 Downing Street. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Justice, Equality, and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Hain, the Minister of State at the Northern...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. The EU enlargement process provided the impetus for the most recent efforts towards a settlement, which were undertaken by the UN Secretary General in the first half of 2004, during Ireland's term of the EU Presidency. As a result of the referendums in Cyprus on 24 April 2004, the...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: There are no plans, at this time, to change the status of our representation in Lesotho. Ireland has maintained a resident mission in Lesotho since an aid office was opened there in 1974 and is represented by a consul general based in the capital, Maseru. The consulate general oversees and manages the implementation of our aid programme in Lesotho, and does so in a satisfactory and effective...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Government continues to work with its partners in the European Union to advance efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Consideration of the Middle East peace process has been a central element in my contacts in recent months with political leaders from the region, and in my discussions in the UN context and at meetings of EU Foreign Ministers. In...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Judicial proceedings in this matter, which have been brought under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, are ongoing. I understand the person referred to by the Deputy has obtained an initial ruling in her favour. However, that decision is now under appeal. Accordingly the matter remains sub judice and a final resolution of the case has not yet been...

Written Answers — EU Constitution: EU Constitution (5 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Following the referendum results in France and the Netherlands, the June European Council meeting decided to initiate a period of reflection with regard to the European constitution. The intention is that member states should avail of this opportunity to hold national debates on European issues, including the European constitution. Next week, as part of this process, the Government will...

Written Answers — US Appeal Court Decision: US Appeal Court Decision (4 Oct 2005)

Dermot Ahern: As I have previously informed the House, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the Cuban and US authorities.