Results 16,241-16,260 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern
- Written Answers — Illegal Immigrants: Illegal Immigrants (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 252 together. The number of Irish people who may be resident in the United States without the appropriate authorisation is difficult to estimate. While the US authorities have estimated that the number may have declined to 3,000 in the year 2000, I know that many of the organisations working with our emigrants would regard this figure as a very low...
- Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: The following tables set out the number of personnel in my private and constituency offices, their positions and payscales. Private Office. Grade/Position Number Salaries Special Adviser (non-established) 1 Principal Officer scale â¬71,990-â¬89,047 Personal Secretary (non-established) 1 Executive Officer (higher) scale â¬25,704-â¬42,265 First...
- Written Answers — EU Enlargement: EU Enlargement (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 to 264, inclusive, together. The question of the future enlargement of the Union is one which will feature prominently on the EU's agenda for the foreseeable future. The Government has participated actively and positively in negotiations on the enlargement process and will continue to do so. Ireland will continue to give constructive support to the...
- Order of Business. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: Where stands the Mullingar accord on that one?
- Order of Business. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: No, we have not.
- Order of Business. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: We only got it this morning. How could we read it before questions were asked today?
- Order of Business. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: We have a duty to read it.
- Order of Business. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: A question on the topic was answered today.
- EU Constitution. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: The Government has not yet taken a decision on the timing of the referendum on the European constitution. However, preparatory work on the wording of the necessary amendment to the Irish Constitution is well advanced. The intention is that the referendum Bill will be published after Easter. As previously stated, the Government will try to ensure the maximum possible cross-party consensus. The...
- EU Constitution. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: I do not accept I am foolish. I suggest the Deputy's party engage with us as regards consultation on the wording, which we would like to haveââ
- EU Constitution. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: ââin advance. The Deputy's party has been invited. The Government fully accepts the need for complete information on this matter. I guarantee the House that full information will be given. We hope to publish the referendum Bill after Easter, allowing the Referendum Commission to be up and running and giving it sufficient time to disseminate information. On the Deputy's point about keeping...
- EU Constitution. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: This is a sovereign decision by the Irish people. In the context of the EU-wide ratification of this process, we must take into account what other countries are doing. However, this is a decision for the Irish people and they will make the decision based on the information they are given in Ireland and based on the circumstances in this country. I have full confidence in the Irish people that...
- EU Constitution. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: I happened to look at the Fine Gael website in which Fine Gael Members extol the virtues of the European constitution. I suggest to the Deputy that he put a few more statements on the website.
- EU Constitution. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: I will not accept criticism from the Deputy in respect of this matter. It is important that the Irish people are given full information. All the European member states, including Ireland, have until well into 2006 to make a decision on ratification. Much preparatory work is being carried out on the wording for the referendum to ensure it is right and on delivering full information to the...
- Middle East Peace Process. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: The Government, together with Ireland's partners in the EU, has repeatedly reaffirmed its position that the proposed Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is to be welcomed so long as it takes place in conformity with the conditions endorsed by the European Council in March 2004. The Council noted five elements which are essential to make a Gaza withdrawal acceptable to the international...
- Middle East Peace Process. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: On a general point, I intend to travel to the Middle East in the not too distant future and will meet with the representatives of the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority. It is also anticipated that I will visit Jordan and Egypt and I will raise all these concerns. This will be a slow process but the indications are fairly favourable and hopeful. The Israelis will move out of...
- Middle East Peace Process. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: Again, I make the general point that any withdrawal must take place in co-ordination with the Palestinian authorities. The withdrawal from Tulkarem due next week will take place in consultation with the Palestinian authorities and with their co-operation. Some sections of the wall have been rerouted closer to the 1967 line. While this reduces the negative impact on the Palestinian population...
- Passport Applications. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: My Department is implementing a new passport issuing system. This involves the introduction of a new passport booklet and a complete upgrade of the systems and work processes for handling passport applications. When fully implemented, Ireland will have one of the most advanced and secure passport systems in the world. As part of the development of the new system, it is intended to make...
- Passport Applications. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: The Government has already made a decision to introduce passports containing biometric information. The reason is to comply with EU regulations and US legislation and ensure that Irish citizens are able to transfer with ease in and out of the United States. Funding has been provided in the Estimate for the introduction of biometrics and we hope to produce biometric passports with finger...
- Diplomatic Representation. (8 Mar 2005)
Dermot Ahern: As I have stated in previous replies, Ireland announced the establishment of diplomatic relations on a non-resident basis with Burma on 13 February 2004. However, the progress anticipated in 2004, most notably the meeting of an open and unhindered national convention and the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, did not materialise. In the circumstances, the Government decided to put on hold the...