Results 16,481-16,500 of 16,849 for speaker:Dermot Ahern

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: Mr. Adolfo Fernandez Sainz, a journalist, is one of 75 members of the peaceful opposition in Cuba, including other journalists, writers and doctors arrested in March and April 2003 and sentenced to prison terms of up to 28 years after a summary legal process that did not meet internationally accepted standards. Mr. Sainz was sentenced to 15 years and remains in custody, although seven of the...

Written Answers — State Visits: State Visits (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 to 263, inclusive, together. The Tánaiste and I held official talks with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr. Huang Ju, in Dublin Castle, on 16 November 2004. During our discussion on EU-China relations, I raised our concerns over human rights with the vice-premier. I also recalled that a number of specific issues were being addressed through the EU-China human...

Written Answers — Asylum Applications: Asylum Applications (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I am aware of the advice of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on the return of Iraqi asylum seekers. Asylum applications are assessed within an independent statutory framework. The advice of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on returns forms an important part of the assessment of cases. In the circumstances, I have not felt it necessary to discuss this matter with the Minister for...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 267 together. Sanctions or restrictive measures, including arms embargoes, are used by the European Union as a policy instrument, either as autonomous EU sanctions or in implementing certain resolutions of the UN Security Council. As a coercive non-military instrument, sanctions are generally employed to react to violations of international law,...

Written Answers — Arms Trade: Arms Trade (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The General Affairs and External Relations Council discussed the issue of the EU embargo on arms sales to Libya at its meeting on 11 October, and decided to lift the embargo. Ireland agreed with our partners that it was important to recognise Libya's decision to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction programmes and its agreement to compensate victims of a number of terrorist attacks in...

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The US authorities have already announced an investigation into the circumstances of the incident in question, and the soldier involved has been withdrawn from the area. In these circumstances, it is not necessary to make representations to that effect. I expect the US authorities to ensure that its forces operate at all times in conformity with international law.

Written Answers — Foreign Conflicts: Foreign Conflicts (23 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The use of Shannon airport by the US military is a long-standing practice which has been in place for several decades. On 20 March 2003, following an extensive debate, the Government decision to maintain the availability of these facilities was approved by Dáil Éireann. The US forces serving in Iraq are part of the multinational force operating at the request of the interim Iraqi...

Written Answers — Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic Relations (16 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: In the absence of more detailed information on the identity and the nature and activities of any such groups, I am afraid that I am not in a position to make a comment. With regard to the EU-Cuba relationship, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 179 of 10 November 2004.

Leaders' Questions. (16 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The Opposition was satisfied for such people to be on the dole.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for Vote 28, Foreign Affairs, and Vote 29, International Co-operation. For each Vote, a dedicated audit unit has been established namely. These are the inspection and audit unit for foreign affairs and the evaluation and audit unit in Development Co-operation Ireland for international co-operation. The inspection and internal audit unit...

Written Answers — Military Incursions: Military Incursions (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: As the Deputy is aware, the Government regards unauthorised incursions by the British security forces into the State as a serious matter. On each reported occasion, the matter is immediately raised with the British Government. In this connection, officials met with members of the British Army's civil policy team during the summer to discuss incursions into this jurisdiction. It was emphasised...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I presume the Deputy is referring, in the first part of his question, to the employment of temporary clerical officers each year by the Department of Foreign Affairs to work in the passport offices in Dublin, Cork and Balbriggan during the spring-summer period, when the demand for passports reaches a seasonal high. The number of temporary clerical officers employed in the years 1997 to 2004,...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together. In 2003, an estimated 37,000 Irish people benefited from services provided by Irish and non-Irish organisations in Britain which have been grant aided by the Government through DÍON funding. I am pleased to note that DÍON funding has more than quadrupled in the past five years. This year's initial allocation to the fund was €3.57...

Written Answers — Support for Irish Prisoners Abroad: Support for Irish Prisoners Abroad (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 304 together. My Department provides financial assistance to the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas, the ICPO, the body established by the Bishops' Commission for Emigrants to identify and respond to the needs of Irish prisoners abroad and their families. Since 1997, an annual grant of €25,000 has been made to the ICPO here in Ireland....

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: While I recognise fully the responsibility of the Government to our people living abroad, the welfare of those who live, work and pay taxes abroad is also, of course, a matter for the Governments and authorities in the countries of residence of the Irish people concerned. I am especially aware that some of our emigrants need help in accessing their entitlements abroad, though the exact number...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: The experience of emigration has been a mixed one for Irish men and women. While many who have emigrated have prospered, emigration has presented some people with very particular difficulties. We are able to draw on a range of studies on the situation of Irish emigrants in Britain. I am aware of the difficult circumstances experienced by the individuals featured in the television programme,...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 300 and 306 to 308, inclusive, together. The Deputy can be assured that the Government's concern for the undocumented Irish people in the United States is raised on an ongoing basis in our bilateral contacts with the US authorities, including when the Taoiseach and my predecessor met with President Bush at the EU-US summit in Dromoland in June 2004. I...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: Many of the Irish organisations at home and abroad, which are active in the delivery of services to Irish emigrants, have established their own websites. Others have amassed a set of skills and knowledge, which would be of value to all of us with an interest in this issue. It is clearly desirable to link up the resources already available and make them more accessible. I also feel that we...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: Many Irish people who have emigrated have made, and continue to make, a distinctive and invaluable contribution to developments in their adopted countries. In doing so, they have brought great credit to themselves and to Ireland. Many have also contributed to the success story that is Ireland today. We value deeply their contribution both at home and abroad. The matter of an awards scheme to...

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (2 Nov 2004)

Dermot Ahern: This year my Department's funding for emigrant support stands at some €5 million, representing an increase of two thirds over 2003. This funding is directed to organisations in Britain, the United States of America and Australia which provide Irish citizens with a wide range of advice, counselling a and support services. By their very nature, the centres we support financially perform a...