Results 321-340 of 1,212 for speaker:Dara Murphy

European Council: Statements (24 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: I believe I have two more minutes for questions and then five minutes to wrap up.

European Council: Statements (24 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: I was here for the debate with the Ukrainian ambassador and the other ambassadors. We have long espoused the view that the opportunity afforded to us in the 1970s should be shared with others. It is a noble ambition to share our common values of democracy and freedom. Deputy Martin's comments were in line with the views of the Government. I am disappointed that some contributors ignored...

European Council: Statements (24 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: The European Council did not discuss our relations with the United States of America. It is frustrating, when we are discussing serious issues for elderly people, children and citizens generally in Ukraine and the difficulties arising for everybody in trying to de-escalate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, to repeatedly hear about every other alleged improper act by other countries....

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (11 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: The European Council will review preparations for the upcoming summit, providing a steer on its objectives and the way forward concerning some other key issues. On Europe's neighbourhood policy and expansion in general, I was in the Dáil when we voted on the ambitions of three nations to share in democratic and free membership of the European Union. They were represented by their...

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (11 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: Is the Deputy living in the Republic of Ireland?

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (11 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: We are exceptionally proud to be Irish, although one would not think so listening to some of the commentary particularly from the Independent Members, especially Deputy Ross, who quoted the Taoiseach’s statement but seems not to have read or heard it. While criticising the Taoiseach, who is launching a very important initiative in the Irish Financial Services Centre, IFSC, the Deputy...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus as ucht an cuireadh a bheith anseo ar an lá iontach seo. I am pleased to be back again this week, ahead of the General Affairs Council which is due to take place on St. Patrick’s Day and will discuss the European semester 2015. The March General Affairs Council will prepare for the meeting of the European Council which is due...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: Who said that?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: There is quite a bit to get through.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: The Chairman will blow the whistle.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: To come to the last question first, the issue of a European army is not a Commission competence. Ireland's participation in a European common defence arrangement is prohibited by Article 29.4.9° of the Constitution and reinforced by the Irish protocol in the Lisbon treaty. Several members asked about the situation in Russia and Ukraine. Part of the function of the Minsk agreement was...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: We discussed that matter this morning at our internal European affairs meeting within the Department. I will obtain for the committee a specific note on the detail of what is involved. As members are aware, this is part of the broader consultative process that is ongoing at present.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: The Deputy referred to the vote which took place in the Houses last month. It was disappointing that all parties did not support what was proposed. A process is ongoing in respect of the matter to which the Deputy refers. While we wish to see progress in many areas in accession and applicant countries, there is no doubt that propaganda is emanating from Russia. That is why moving towards...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State at Department of the Taoiseach (10 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: It has been a pleasure.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (5 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: I thank the Vice Chairman and other members of the joint committee for inviting me here to be a part of this process. At the outset, I wish to compliment the committee on its work in this area. Committee members visited the UK last week undertaking an extensive programme of engagements. Yesterday, I had a conversation about that with Senator Leyden and also, in the past 20 minutes, with...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (5 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: I thank the Vice Chairman. I have been asked some very extensive questions. I will respond to the question asked by the Vice Chairman and Senator Hayden before I come back to Deputy Durkan's question. Ireland and many other European countries would agree with elements of what the British Government has been discussing. We share its frustration with regard to issues such as better...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Possible Exit of UK from European Union: Discussion (Resumed) (5 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: Ireland's relationship with the UK has evolved and become much stronger through our shared membership of the European Union and the equal status we have at various councils and at a political level. The European Union has had a general role in the peace process in a broad range of areas, including by providing financial and other supports. The relationship between Ireland and the UK will...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Road Safety Strategy (4 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: I thank the Senator for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, who regrets that she is unable to be present due to other business. The Minister is in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner regarding a wide range of road safety matters, but the House will appreciate that detailed speed enforcement strategy is principally an operational...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Road Safety Strategy (4 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: The first thing I would say to people in those areas if they are repeatedly being caught is "slow down". The reality is that everybody has a part to play in road safety and preventing harm to other users. Excessive or inappropriate speed continues to be a significant contributory factor in the number of serious and fatal injuries we have. The fact that people are being caught speeding does...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Road Safety Strategy (4 Mar 2015)

Dara Murphy: As I said in my initial response, there is the provision for engagement with communities through the Garda to identify areas where there is a further requirement to encourage people to drive more slowly. The introduction of the safety camera network has seen sustained improvements in driver behaviour across speed enforcement zones and in compliance with speed limits. While I have no...