Results 16,401-16,420 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: They have agreed that they will work in partnership with the Government and in consultation with other NGOs and the general public who would have a view on this to put in place a realistic timetable——

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: ——which people know may or may not be reached depending on the growth rates that are possible.

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I assure the Deputy that it is a commitment of this Government to reach the 0.7% target.

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: John O'Shea continually states that the percentage is not important and that the overall amount and how it is spent is vital.

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: In light of the growth rates the country enjoyed in recent years, it has been acknowledged that we are chasing a target,0.7%, which keeps moving away. It is accepted that we should work in partnership to put in place a realistic timetable we know we can achieve. It is important that we reach whatever target we set and maintain it forever and a day.

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The Deputy should examine his record when he was in government. He made commitments and did not comply with any of them.

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: We have the record.

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: In terms of the previous question, Deputy Michael Higgins referred to some other countries which do not, in reality, match the pledges they make.

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I accept that and I am referring to the relief fund. It has been proven, in respect of previous disasters, that countries pledge certain amounts in the initial phases of responses to disasters but when the position is examined following a couple of years it emerges that these pledges are not all honoured. There was one disaster — I do not recall which — when only one third of pledges were...

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: Ireland's position, regardless of the nature of the Government in office, has always been that if it makes a pledge, it fulfils it. Unlike some other major countries, we do not link our ODA to trade. Unfortunately, some of these countries link it to the trade in which they are involved with affected nations. The money has not been capped. However, a number of the aid agencies have already...

Humanitarian Relief. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: There was a small amount of discussion about that matter at EU level. However, I am of the opinion that it is not a runner. Most of the larger countries were opposed to it and did not believe it would be able to facilitate an immediate response to this type of situation. I cannot see this suggestion being a runner, particularly in light of the diversity of issues that would arise not only...

EU Constitution. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 169 together. To enter into force, the European constitution must be ratified by all member states of the European Union in accordance with their own constitutional requirements. The constitution sets a target date of 1 November 2006 for the completion of this process. Two member states, Lithuania and Hungary, have already completed their ratification...

EU Constitution. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: A decision has not been taken on when the referendum will be held. As stated earlier in respect of the discussion at the European Council meeting in December, when I leave the House I will attend a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee aimed at progressing the issue of the wording and dealing with the legal implications etc. involved with holding the referendum. I assure the Deputy that,...

European Council Meetings: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I thank the Deputy for his statement. While I think I am answering a question on the matter later, I assure Deputy Allen that we will raise the specific issue to which he referred with the Israeli authorities. President Abbas is coming to the next Council meeting on 21 February and President Bush will come on 22 February. The EU will use the Council strongly to encourage positive developments...

European Council Meetings: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The money is available in the Estimates immediately to open the missions in question. Work is ongoing in that respect and the Deputy may have seen recent advertisements for new staff. The Department of Finance has agreed to the provision of staff for new embassies and we are more than happy with the number of personnel being made available. I will follow the example of successive Governments...

European Council Meetings: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: The answer to the second question is simply "No". The matter was made quite clear in the recent amendment to the constitution on common defence. As with its predecessors, the Government is not adopting a path to a strong military dimension with nuclear capability. On the attitude of Mr. Sharon, we must accept that the matter is extremely difficult. It would have been solved years ago if it...

European Council Meetings: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: While I was not in office prior to the accession of countries like Poland, my honest impression since I began to attend General Affairs and External Relations Council meetings has been that there is unanimity on EU moves and the conclusions which flow from the Councils on the Middle East peace process. The basis for the above is the roadmap, a two-state solution and encouraging the USA to use...

European Council Meetings: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I am concerned that there could be difficulties regarding the communications of these documents but there is time. I assure the Deputy there will be a significant campaign. When the Referendum Commission is appointed, it will have the job of explaining the text in significant detail. The documentation issued by the Government in the latter months of last year in this regard was the first...

European Council Meetings: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: There is no problem discussing EU issues in the House. It is a matter of time and it is up to the Whips to decide. The Government has not made a decision on a date for the referendum. Work is ongoing regarding the wording that may be put. Following Question Time, I will attend a meeting on that issue. We will then negotiate with political parties, particularly those which are pro-treaty, to...

European Council Meetings: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

Dermot Ahern: I cannot say. No discussion will take place at Cabinet until work is done in this regard.