Results 341-360 of 1,033,149 for in 'Dáil debates' OR in 'Committee meetings' (speaker:Ciarán Cuffe OR speaker:Michael McNamara OR speaker:Eamon Ryan)

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Diplomatic Representation (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: People can cross departmental lines. People move from other Departments into the Department of Foreign Affairs. For example, our ambassador in China would have been a Department of agriculture vet originally, which was very useful in the recent issues in China relating to veterinary matters, Irish beef and so on. Her experience was clearly on hand and very valuable. This is my second...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Diplomatic Representation (27 Jun 2024)

Cathal Crowe: I agree with all of the sentiments expressed by the Tánaiste. Diplomacy is a delicate skill that absolutely has to be always practised in the right way. It is good that there is a pathway for people in other Departments to transition across to the Department of Foreign Affairs. However, I again make the point that there are many people who represent Ireland, some of whom will be doing...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Diplomatic Representation (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I repeat that there are many pathways into the Department of Foreign Affairs and into ambassadorial positions. For example, people who would have worked in the area of development aid initially have moved into the Department and brought that experience to bear as ambassadors in Africa, the Middle East and so forth. We have very good examples of that also within the Department. I have been...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

European Union

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

James Lawless: 7. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on exchange of views on the western Balkans at the June 2024 EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27277/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

James Lawless: The Tánaiste touched on the western Balkans. I commend my colleague Deputy Crowe. It is a very interesting proposal to broaden the pool. We have heard a lot of discussion this morning of bloodshed and slaughter in Gaza but we have not heard any reference yet this morning to the bloodshed, slaughter and territorial attacks that are happening in Ukraine. My question goes to the western...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: At the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 June, I met with my counterparts from the western Balkans to discuss shared challenges for Europe in foreign and security policy. The EU and the western Balkans have built up a positive track record of co-operation in foreign and security policy. We discussed the region’s high rate of Common Foreign and Security Policy, CFSP, alignment, and the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

James Lawless: I recall that in 2004 when Ireland held the EU Presidency, by chance I happened to be in Dublin Airport and saw the flags of the accession states as the EU enlarged massively along its eastern border. That was very positive - former Soviet bloc countries embracing democracy and the economic success of the EU. Enlargement generally has been positive. It is spreading the wings of the EU...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for his remarks. He asked earlier about the enlargement agenda. This week the EU will confirm that Montenegro has made all of its interim benchmarks on rule of law reforms. This is a significant achievement and clears the way for Montenegro to close additional negotiating chapters confirming its position as accession front-runner. I hope this acts as an inspiration to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

James Lawless: I appreciate that it is a delicate balance and that there is a degree of carrot and stick involved. Much as we want to reach out and reward those democratic initiatives that are in play in Serbia, elections which were questionable were contested before Christmas. Looking beyond the Balkans, places like Belarus have democratic oppositions that are in exile. Moldova is less problematic...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Matt Carthy: I welcome the Tánaiste's response. He will know that I have been somewhat sceptical and concerned about the apparent slowness of the ICC investigation into what has happened in Gaza in comparison with the apparent haste with which other investigations have proceeded, particularly to the point where arrest warrants were issued. I agree with the Tánaiste's remarks regarding the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Catherine Connolly: The Tánaiste to reply.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Matt Carthy: Do I need to clarify what I was about to say?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Catherine Connolly: The Deputy will get a chance to come back in.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Matt Carthy: Obviously, there are arrest warrants for individuals-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Catherine Connolly: No. We are way over time.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Matt Carthy: -----but for those who are protecting those people, would there be implications from an Irish perspective?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: This is challenging for the court. We have long been supportive of the court. Ireland committed additional voluntary funding to the ICC of €3 million to assist it in its work across all situations, including with regard to Palestine. At the Munich security conference earlier this year I met the ICC prosecutor in respect of the challenges the prosecutor and the team face. Ireland...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Matt Carthy: These are challenging times and the ICC faces a challenging situation. It also must be a challenging time for the European Union. I do not know if the EU has ever had a preferential association arrangement with a state whose civilian and military leadership are the subject of ICC arrest warrants. The question has to be asked of European and, indeed, Irish leaders as to how it came to pass...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The EU is quite steadfast and strong in supporting the ICC and in respecting its independence. That was again very evident at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday. I make the point that, as the Deputy knows, the application for arrest warrants in respect of Prime Minister Netanyahu and defence minister Gallant has elicited a very negative reaction from Israel and the United States....