
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>Press Releases</title>
		<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=379</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:16:48 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Minister Power meets Irish aid agencies to discuss Ireland’s response to the Pakistan floods after arrival of largest ever airlift of emergency suppli]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83980</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, T.D.,
today met senior representatives of non-governmental Irish aid
agencies to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Pakistan.
The meeting follows Monday’s airlift of 98 tonnes of
emergency shelter, water and sanitation equipment from Irish Aid
stockpiles to Pakistan - the largest single shipment of
humanitarian supplies ever undertaken by the State.
At the meeting Minister Power asked the
agencies to distribute the supplies as a matter of urgency.

Speaking after the meeting Minister Power said;


“I am delighted that Irish aid agencies have agreed to
distribute humanitarian supplies from the Government’s stockpile –
enough to support 33,000 people. It is vital that the global
response to the Pakistan earthquake be as coordinated as possible
in order to maximise our impact. The enormous scale of this
disaster requires us all to work together if we are to reach the
many millions whose lives have been devastated.


This morning’s meeting was an opportunity for me to meet senior
representatives of those NGOs which are responding to the Pakistan
crisis and who have been supported by the Irish Government and
public. We will build on today’s meeting to ensure the Irish Aid
and the NGOs work as closely as possible over the coming weeks and
months.”
On Monday, Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas aid
programme air-delivered emergency shelter and water supplies for up
to 33,000 people from its stockpile in Dubai. The supplies are
being provided to Irish aid agencies - Concern, Tr&#243;caire, Goal and
Plan Ireland for distribution and will provide shelter and basic
infrastructure for the survival of 33,000 people. It brings total
aid from Ireland to over €2 million. The Minister continued:


“Ireland was to the fore in responding to the crisis at the
beginning of August. We have provided €2 million in emergency
funding to address the basic survival needs of these caught up in
the emergency. As part of our response, we have also
delivered two airlifts of emergency equipment to Pakistan providing
vital and speedy life saving supplies.
The NGO partners have also updated me on their responses. We
also discussed the extraordinarily generous response from the Irish
public. It is very heartening to see the range and scope of
Ireland’s assistance to this humanitarian response”.
Clearly, we face a huge reconstruction challenge once
the waters have finally receded. I have repeatedly stated
Ireland’s commitment to continue in its support to the Pakistani
people. Humanitarian needs will continue for some time and it
will not be an easy road back for those in need. However, the
focus now needs to be kept on basic life saving and on meeting the
survival needs of the 17 million people at risk. We have to ensure
that this natural disaster does not turn into a humanitarian
catastrophe”.

Note for Editors




Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development, is
an integral part of the Department of Foreign Affairs




To date, Ireland has provided funding of €2 million to the
humanitarian response to the floods. This assistance is to be
channelled through established Irish Aid partners, including the
United Nations and Non-Governmental Organisations.




Ireland contributed €20 million to the United Nation's Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73 million
since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami. The CERF,
which was established with the assistance of Ireland and learning
from the lessons of the Tsunami, provides immediately-accessible
funds to the UN for use in a crisis such as that in Pakistan.
Ireland is the seventh largest donor to this fund.



]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:23:55 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Visit of the Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Germany Dr. Guido Westerwelle]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83979</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., will meet
the Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Germany, Dr. Guido
Westerwelle, in Dublin on Thursday 2 September.

The meeting follows on from Minister Martin’s visit to Germany last
April, providing a further opportunity to exchange views with
Minister Westerwelle on the current EU agenda and a range of
bilateral and international issues.


In the context of the forthcoming European Council on 16 September,
the items to be covered will include the EU’s approach to managing
its relations with major global partners, now that the Lisbon
Treaty arrangements are in place, and the ongoing work of the
Taskforce on Economic Governance chaired by European Council
President, Herman Van Rompuy.

Note for editors


&#183; The
Taskforce on Economic Governance was established by EU
leaders in March to report on the future economic governance in the
European Union. The Task Force was requested to propose measures to
bring about better budgetary discipline and an improved crisis
resolution framework. Three full Task Force meetings
have taken place since May and the next meeting will take place on
6 September.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:45:20 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs Condemns West Bank Killings]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83978</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



Minister for Foreign Affairs Condemns West Bank Killings


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., has
condemned last night’s killing of four Israeli settlers in the West
Bank city of Hebron.


“I strongly condemn this murderous attack which has
resulted in the deaths of four Israeli civilians, including a
pregnant woman. This appalling act was clearly timed to increase
tensions in advance of the important re-launch of direct
negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in
Washington DC tomorrow. I extend my deepest sympathies
to the families and friends of those killed.


In light of this terrible event, it is even more imperative
that the parties to the talks engage seriously, and with genuine
good faith, so as to achieve progress towards a just and equitable
settlement at this critical juncture in the Middle East peace
process. It is particularly urgent that all sides exercise the
maximum restraint and refrain from any actions which may call into
question their commitment to the talks process.


President Obama, assisted by Secretary of State Clinton and
Special Envoy Mitchell, are to be commended for their committed
efforts to bring about a resumption of direct negotiations after a
hiatus of some twenty months. The urgency of making progress
towards achieving the only viable settlement, based on a two-State
solution, has never been greater. Ireland, along with our EU and
international partners, will continue to do all we can to support
this vital process and ensure it is not undermined by senseless
acts of violence.”




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:55:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Press]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83977</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Power announces funding to support the work
 of the UN Peacebuilding Commission


The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power T.D.,
today met with UN Assistant Secretary General Judy Cheng Hopkins to
discuss the work of the UN Peacebuilding Commission. ASG Cheng
Hopkins is the Head of the UN Peacebuilding Support Office which
was established in 2006 to improve the international community’s
support for countries emerging from violent conflict. Since its
establishment, the Fund it administers has provided approximately
$170 million to support peace building activities in 12 countries,
mainly in Africa. The countries which have received support
include Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic
Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nepal.


Speaking after the meeting, which was held in Irish Aid
Headquarters in Limerick, Minister of State Power said:


“Ireland’s involvement in peacekeeping operations over many
years, as well as our own experience in Northern Ireland, has shown
us how difficult it is to build a sustainable peace in situations
emerging from violent conflict. Without peace and stability there
can be little or no development.


For this reason Ireland has been one of the strongest supporters
of the Commission. I was delighted to have an opportunity to
welcome assistant Secretary-General Cheng Hopkins and her team of
senior UN officials to Limerick to discuss the work of the
Peacebuilding Commission. We must support UN efforts to address the
underlying causes of conflict and help to build peaceful and stable
states in the aftermath of conflict. The Commission works in some
of the most conflict affected countries in the world, and we know
at first hand from our peacekeeping experience in Liberia and other
countries how crucial its work is.”


The Minister went on to say that: 
“I am delighted therefore to announce additional funding of
€250,000 to support the work of the PBC. This underlines Ireland’s
determination to help some of the poorest countries in the world
emerge from violent conflict and our commitment to the work of the
UN and the key role it plays in peace building and conflict
reduction”.


Note for Editors


&#183; Irish Aid is the
Government’s programme for overseas development. It is a division
of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further
information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie.


&#183; The United
Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) was established in 2005 to
improve the international community’s support for countries
emerging from violent conflict.


&#183; The Commission
was created by the Security Council and General Assembly in joint
resolutions and reports annually to both bodies. Within the UN
system, the Peacebuilding Commission is unprecedented in the scope
of its organization and mandate. It is an intergovernmental
advisory body with 31 member states. It is mandated to:


o Bring together all relevant international actors to
marshal resources and advise on integrated strategies for post
conflict peace building and recovery


o Help ensure predictable financing for early recovery
activities and sustained financial investment over the medium to
long-term.


o Develop best practices on peace building issues in
collaboration with political, security, humanitarian and
development actors.


&#183; To date, Ireland
has provided €10 million ($ 12.6 million) to the Peacebuilding
Fund, making us one of the largest international
contributors.


&#183; In August 2009,
Judy Cheng-Hopkins was appointed Assistant Secretary for
Peacebuilding Support. She has over thirty years experience
working in multiple UN agencies, and previously served as the
Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees. She also worked
with the UNDP in Zambia and Kenya, and as Deputy Assistant
Administrator for Africa.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:33:12 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Press]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83967</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr. Peter Power
T.D., today announced the allocation of €1.05 million of the €2m
pledged by the Government to flood-stricken Pakistan. The
funds will support the work of the World Food Programme, UNICEF,
Plan Ireland, and Goal.


Announcing the allocation, Minister Power said:


“Millions of people are at immediate risk of life-threatening
illnesses and starvation in Pakistan. I have today allocated
funding to a number of agencies working to alleviate their plight
and, in particular, that of the many thousands of children who are
suffering the effects of this catastrophe.


UNICEF and Plan Ireland both have child-centred approaches to
delivering humanitarian aid and to addressing the particular
difficulties which children encounter in a disaster of such
enormous proportions.


In addition, funding has also been approved to assist Goal for
its humanitarian response in Sindh province. The slow pace of
the humanitarian response in Sindh province to date has been deeply
worrying. Continuing flooding and the difficult terrain have
made access extremely difficult.


I am pleased that in Goal, we will be supporting a key Irish aid
agency working with local partners in Sindh and that the Irish Aid
funding being announced today will assist in the delivery of vital
food, clean water and shelter to the highly vulnerable population
in this area.


With regard to feeding the displaced population, the World Food
Programme faces its largest caseload in at least a decade.
Six million people need food for at least the coming month. I
am pleased to be able to provide vital funds from Ireland to assist
the WFP in this critical response.”





Note for Editors:


&#183;Irish Aid is the
Government’s programme for overseas development. It is a division
of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further
information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie.


&#183; Today’s allocation represents
programming of the additional funding made available by Minister of
State, Peter Power on Thursday last (19 August 2010). The
funding has been allocated as follows:


Goal
€300,000
UNICEF
€300,000
WFP
€300,000
Plan Ireland €150,000


The balance of the €2 million total pledged will be allocated in
the coming days.


ENDS


26 August 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:10:01 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83965</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power T.D.,
will tomorrow (Tuesday, 24 August) brief the Joint Committee on
Foreign Affairs on the escalating crisis following the recent
floods in Pakistan.


Speaking ahead of the Committee session Minister Power said:


&quot;I am deeply and increasingly concerned by the
humanitarian situation in Pakistan. The risk of a second wave
humanitarian crisis continues to grow. The lives of millions,
in particular the most vulnerable and especially children, remain
in jeopardy as they wait for clean water, food and medical
aid. In the southern Sindh province some estimates indicate
that only 3% of affected people have been reached. If
accurate this is an unacceptable situation.


Last Thursday I met with the United Nation’s humanitarian aid
chief, John Holmes. His message was that, unless aid speeds up, the
future for the fifteen million people whose homes and livelihoods
have been washed away by this terrible disaster looks increasingly
bleak. I assured him of Ireland's commitment to assisting those at
risk as quickly as possible in close coordination with the
international humanitarian community. This is a global
disaster and requires a global response particularly in relation to
logistics, transport and equipment.


To date Ireland has pledged funding of €2million towards the
humanitarian response to the floods and we will continue to work
closely with our partners internationally to help the collective
effort to reach those in danger.


I am taking the opportunity tomorrow to join with the Ambassador
of Pakistan in briefing the Joint Committee on Foreign
Affairs. I will update them on the current humanitarian
situation and on the international response to date. I will
continue to call on the international community to speed up its
response and save lives in Pakistan at this critical point.&quot;





Note for Editors:


&#183;Irish Aid is the Government’s
programme for overseas development. It is a division of the
Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information, visit
www.irishaid.gov.ie.


&#183;A meeting of the Joint Committee on
Foreign Affairs will be held in Committee Room 3, LH2000, at 12
noon on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 to discuss the Current Situation in
Pakistan with Mr. Peter Power TD., Minister of State at the
Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Overseas
Development, and H.E. Naghmana A. Hashmi, Ambassador to Ireland of
the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.


&#183;Flooding in Pakistan since the end
of July has now affected twenty million people.


&#183;To date, Ireland has provided
funding of €2 million to the humanitarian response to the
floods. This assistance is to be channelled through
established Irish Aid partners, including the United Nations and
Non-Governmental Organisations.


&#183;Ireland contributed €20 million to
the United Nation's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009
and a total of €73 million since it was set up in 2006 following
the Asian Tsunami. The CERF, which was established with the
assistance of Ireland and learning from the lessons of the Tsunami,
provides immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in a crisis
such as that in Pakistan. Ireland is the seventh largest donor to
this fund.


ENDS.


23 August 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:17:04 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Power to brief Oireachtas Committee on race against time in Pakistan]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83963</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Power to brief Oireachtas Committee on race against
time in Pakistan





The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power T.D.,
will tomorrow (Tuesday, 24 August) brief the Joint Committee on
Foreign Affairs on the escalating crisis following the recent
floods in Pakistan.





Speaking ahead of the Committee session Minister Power said:


&quot;I am deeply and increasingly concerned by the humanitarian
situation in Pakistan. The risk of a second wave humanitarian
crisis continues to grow. The lives of millions, in
particular the most vulnerable and especially children, remain in
jeopardy as they wait for clean water, food and medical aid.
In the southern Sindh province some estimates indicate that only 3%
of affected people have been reached. If accurate this is an
unacceptable situation.





Last Thursday I met with the United Nation’s humanitarian aid
chief, John Holmes. His message was that, unless aid speeds up, the
future for the fifteen million people whose homes and livelihoods
have been washed away by this terrible disaster looks increasingly
bleak. I assured him of Ireland's commitment to assisting those at
risk as quickly as possible in close coordination with the
international humanitarian community. This is a global
disaster and requires a global response particularly in relation to
logistics, transport and equipment.





To date Ireland has pledged funding of €2million towards the
humanitarian response to the floods and we will continue to work
closely with our partners internationally to help the collective
effort to reach those in danger.





I am taking the opportunity tomorrow to join with the Ambassador of
Pakistan in briefing the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.
I will update them on the current humanitarian situation and on the
international response to date. I will continue to call on
the international community to speed up its response and save lives
in Pakistan at this critical point.&quot;





Note for Editors:


Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development.
It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For
further information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie.


A meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs will be held in
Committee Room 3, LH2000, at 12 noon on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 to
discuss the Current Situation in Pakistan with Mr. Peter Power TD.,
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with
responsibility for Overseas Development, and H.E. Naghmana A.
Hashmi, Ambassador to Ireland of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.


Flooding in Pakistan since the end of July has now affected twenty
million people. To date, Ireland has provided funding of €2 million
to the humanitarian response to the floods. This assistance
is to be channelled through established Irish Aid partners,
including the United Nations and Non-Governmental Organisations.


Ireland contributed €20 million to the United Nation's Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73 million
since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami. The CERF,
which was established with the assistance of Ireland and learning
from the lessons of the Tsunami, provides immediately-accessible
funds to the UN for use in a crisis such as that in Pakistan.
Ireland is the seventh largest donor to this fund.


ENDS+++


23 August 2010




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					<pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:14:30 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Leaving Cert students asked to heed travel advice]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83949</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Leaving Cert students asked to heed travel advice


Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin,
TD


Leaving Certificate students planning to celebrate their results by
travelling abroad should take a number of precautions to ensure
their trip passes off safely, according to Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin.


“Students planning a city break or time in the sun after their
years of hard work should heed travel advice issued by my
Department and available on the website at www.dfa.ie. The key piece of advice is to
use commonsense and not to do anything abroad that you would not do
at home.


&#183; Travel Insurance
is essential


&#183; Do not rent or
use motorbikes or quads that do not meet normal safety standards or
come with safety gear – remember if an accident happens and you did
not follow the rules your insurance is void.


&#183; Check passports
and other travel documents before leaving for the airport and keep
them in a safe place when abroad.


&#183; Do not drink to
excess, remember in many countries being drunk can carry heavy
penalties.


&#183; Have some
knowledge of local laws and customs, remember what may be regarded
as a minor offence at home can lead to arrest and large fines in
other States.


My Department has been having a busy year again in 2010 with
Consular cases with 660 major incidents where people sought our
help during the first six months of the year. Having said that many
thousands of Irish people do travel safely every day of the year by
following these simple steps young people can help ensure their own
well deserved break is remembered for all the right reasons.”
concluded Minister Martin.





Ends+++


18 August, 2010




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					<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:49:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Special meeting of United Nations to be held tomorrow on Pakistan ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83948</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Special meeting of United Nations to be held tomorrow on
Pakistan


Minister of State Peter Power to participate


An emergency meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the
floods crisis in Pakistan will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 19
August 2010 in New York.


Minister Peter Power will address the General Assembly on behalf of
the Irish Government and will take the opportunity to update other
UN member states of Ireland’s response to this humanitarian
emergency. In addition, the meeting will offer an opportunity
for the world community to ensure the most coordinated response
possible to the ongoing disaster.


Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Power said:


“This is a disaster of enormous proportions. 20 million
people have been rendered homeless. A massive global response
is required to prevent a secondary humanitarian disaster. The
lives of millions of children are at risk.


“This emergency meeting of the general assembly will convey to the
world the sheer scale of this disaster and what is required to deal
with it.


“I will provide the United Nations with an update on
Ireland’s very generous response to this terrible crisis. The
people of Ireland have dug deep to assist those caught up in this
natural disaster. Despite the difficult economic times, it is
a great tribute to Irish people that we still reach out to those in
the greatest need.


“The UN meeting will also provide an opportunity for the
international community to assess the global response to date and
to discuss how we can improve it. The needs are undoubtedly
enormous. Twenty million people are now directly affected by the
loss of their homes and livelihoods. In the face of this major
crisis, the international community must work together to
deliver the most effective humanitarian response and ensure that
vital life saving assistance is delivered as quickly as possible to
those in need”.


Note for Editors:


The meeting has been convened by the President of the UN General
Assembly and is expected to adopt a UN Resolution expressing
sympathy for those affected by the flooding in Pakistan, to urge
donors to do more, and to discuss how best to coordinate relief
efforts.


To date, Ireland has provided funding of €810,000 to the
humanitarian response to the floods. This assistance has been
provided to Concern and Tr&#243;caire for their programmes on the ground
in Pakistan. In addition, funding of €150,000 is being
provided to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs for their activities in coordinating the
international response. One hundred tents from Ireland’s
stock of humanitarian supplies have been delivered also to the
International Organisation for Migration in Pakistan.


For further information or to request an interview with Minister
Power, please contact Maggie Collins, Irish Aid, Department of
Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975


Ends+++


Press Office


18 August, 2010

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					<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:47:39 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power to meet Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ireland to discuss humanitarian emergency]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83947</link>
					<description><![CDATA[



Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power to
meet Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ireland to discuss humanitarian
emergency


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D.,
will today meet the Ambassador of Pakistan to discuss the
humanitarian emergency caused by the devastating floods.


Speaking ahead of this morning’s meeting, Minister Power said:


“This is the worst natural disaster in Pakistan’s history. I am
meeting with the Pakistani Ambassador, Her Excellency Mrs. Naghmana
A. Hashmi to receive an update on the situation on the ground and
to find out more about the progress of the response of the
Government of Pakistan and its UN partners.


“I will also update the Ambassador on what Ireland and the EU are
doing in response to the disaster. We will also discuss some of the
important lessons which have been learnt from responding to other
large natural disasters such as Haiti and how Pakistan can ensure
that as much aid as possible reaches those who need it most.”


Minister Power also announced the shipment of 100 large
multipurpose tents to Pakistan from Ireland’s humanitarian
stockpiles.


The tents arrived in Pakistan today and will be used to provide
emergency shelter to hundreds of affected families. The value of
this shipment is €60,000 and is in addition to the €750,000 in
funding which Ireland is already providing to alleviate the
suffering of people affected by the crisis.


Minister Power made the announcement in response to the UN’s
Pakistan Initial Floods Emergency Response Plan, which identified
shelter as one of the most urgent needs on the ground.


“It is clear that the humanitarian situation in Pakistan remains
dire. The flooding has now worked its way through almost the entire
country and with continuing rains it may be a considerable time
before the full extent of the damage is known.


“Last week the United Nations launched its Pakistan Initial Floods
Emergency Response Plan which outlines how the international
community will work with the Pakistani Government to respond to
this crisis. The UN has identified shelter as one of the most
urgent needs and in response to this, Ireland has shipped 100 tents
to Pakistan where the International Organisation of Migration will
use them to provide temporary accommodation for those who have been
forced from their homes by flood waters,” Minister Power said.


Minister Power has put Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps on standby
and they remain ready to deploy should their expertise be
requested.


He stressed that Ireland will continue to monitor the situation in
Pakistan closely and review our humanitarian response in line with
the needs identified by the Pakistani Government, the UN and our
partners on the ground.


Note for the Editor:


&#183; Irish Aid is the
Government’s programme for overseas development. It is an integral
part of the Department of Foreign Affairs.


&#183; To date Ireland
has committed €810,000 in humanitarian aid. This comprises €750,000
in funding to Concern, Trocaire and the United Nations and €60,000
in humanitarian supplies. This level of funding compares well with
other EU donors and on a per capita basis, makes Ireland one of the
most generous donors to the Pakistani floods.


&#183; The European
Commission has allocated €30 million in humanitarian aid in
response to the crisis in Pakistan. When added to the contributions
of various Member States this makes the EU as a whole, the largest
donor to respond to the flooding in Pakistan.


&#183; Ireland’s
shipment of tents was undertaken as part of a joint shipment with
Norway and the UN of a variety of urgently-needed humanitarian
supplies.





For further information or to request an interview with Minister
Power, please contact Maggie Collins, Irish Aid, Department of
Foreign Affairs on 01-8546926 or 087-9099975.


Ends+++


16 August, 2010




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					<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:21:13 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., announces grants for seven Irish based organisations under the Emigrant Support Programme]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83946</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., announces
grants for seven Irish based organisations under the Emigrant
Support Programme





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., has
approved funding of €728,000 for seven Irish based organisations
which assist emigrants or promote the development of greater
engagement between Ireland and the global Irish.


Announcing the grants from the Emigrant Support Programme, which is
managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Minister said:


“The allocation of such significant funding is a clear
demonstration of the Government’s strong continued commitment to
supporting our communities abroad and those organisations in
Ireland that provide assistance to returning or departing
emigrants.”


The Safe Home Programme, which enables elderly Irish emigrants to
return to live in Ireland, has received €255,000. This brings to
€1.57 million the amount given to Safe Home under the Emigrant
Support Programme since 2004. The Government is pleased to continue
the relationship with this organisation, which provides such a
valuable service to elderly Irish emigrants.


The Maynooth office of the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas
received €96,919 to continue their advocacy and visitation
programme for Irish citizens incarcerated outside of Britain or
Ireland. The ICPO works with several local organisations, such as
the Immigration Centres in the United States to provide advice,
support and assistance to almost 600 prisoners each year.


For the third year, the Emigrant Support Programme has provided 50%
funding to the FAI’s UK based Welfare Officer. Speaking about this
project Minister Martin said: “I have been pleased to continue the
partnership with the FAI to fund this project. The UK based welfare
officer has been providing ongoing guidance and support to young
footballers and their parents, and working progressively with clubs
and relevant agencies to ensure young players’ welfare and
education needs are addressed.”


In addition to the organisations which provide welfare services,
funding has also been made available to a number of cultural and
heritage organisations. The Gl&#243;r na nGael Global Gaeilge
competition has received €39,000. This competition encourages
Gaeilgeoir&#237; from across the world to continue learning, teaching
and sharing the Irish language.


Two further grants were awarded to Gateway Ireland and the South
East Galway Diaspora Project. These new initiatives were both born
out of the discussions at the Global Irish Economic Forum in
Farmleigh last September; €23,000 and €56,700 has been approved to
the respective projects.


Note to Editor:


The Department of Foreign Affairs provides financial support
through its Emigrant Support Programme to organisations which are
engaged in the delivery of services to members of Irish communities
overseas.


The majority of funding from the Emigrant Support Programme goes to
support organisations which provide welfare information and
advisory services to Irish citizens living abroad, particularly
those who are most vulnerable and marginalised, including the
elderly. In recent years, the Programme has expanded to support
capital, community and heritage projects which foster a greater
sense of identity and belonging within Irish communities and
strengthen their links with Ireland.


List of Irish organisations in receipt of funding:









Organisation




Grant Amount






Safe Home




(€255,000)






Crosscare Migrant Project




(€171,139)






Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas




(€96,919)






SE Galway Diaspora Project / Ireland Reaching Out




(€56,700)






Football Association of Ireland




(€42,000)






Gl&#243;r na Gael




(€39,000)






Gateway Ireland




(€23,000)






 




ENDS+++


16 August 2010


Press Office







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:18:33 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by Minister Martin on Northern Ireland ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83916</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement by Minister Martin on Northern Ireland





The Minister for Foreign Affairs Miche&#225;l Martin T.D. today called
for this weekend’s parades in Derry and the Ardoyne to take place
in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. He called for an immediate
end to the targeting of PSNI officers and in particular the
disgusting and sectarian targeting of Catholic PSNI officers.
He also called for political and community leaders and the family,
friends and communities of PSNI officer to give them their full and
unreserved support. The Minister said:



“I have been extremely concerned at the violence which has taken
place over recent weeks in Northern Ireland, directed at PSNI
officers and against the very communities which those responsible
somehow claim to represent.





Ahead of Saturday’s scheduled parade through the city by the
Apprentice Boys of Derry, and the feeder parade in the Ardoyne, I
would appeal to all sides of the community to ensure that all
events take place in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. I call on all
community leaders, and more importantly, parents, to make sure your
children and teenagers are kept out of trouble and harm’s way.





Undoubtedly, the current security environment is serious. I am
particularly conscious of the difficult situation faced by PSNI
officers and their families. Threats and dangers against them have
become acute over recent weeks.





On behalf of the Irish Government, let me once again be crystal
clear: there be can no justification whatsoever for threats of any
description against any PSNI officer. The targeting of any officer
on grounds of their religion is a disgusting and sectarian attack
against them and against genuine republican values. We have fought
long and hard and successfully to transform policing through the
implementation of the Patten Report. The large increase in the
number of Catholic police officers has been one of the key
achievements of this transformation.





Those Catholic police officers who have joined deserve the full and
unreserved support of all political leaders, national and local,
and more importantly, deserve the full and unreserved support of
their families, friends and communities. As the overwhelming
majority of decent citizens of this island have made clear, it is
long past time that a full and final stop should be put to the use
of violence and terrorism against anyone, in particular PSNI
officers doing their job.





PSNI officers working in the service of their communities deserve
our thanks and full support. Yet another example of such service
was evident last week as officers brought people to safety from the
explosive device left outside Strand Road PSNI station, at grave
risk to themselves.





I ask anyone with information which can help save lives and help
local communities to move forward from the bitterness and the
division of the past to supply it to the
PSNI.”





ENDS+++


12 August 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:50:22 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin announces restoration of the 10 day guarantee for passport applications ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83915</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin announces restoration of the 10 day guarantee
for passport applications


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., today
confirmed that the passport service has cleared the backlog of
applications allowing the resumption of normal processing times.


“I want to thank the members of the public for their patience
during the delays caused both by industrial action and an increase
in demand for passports,” the Minister said. “With the
restoration of the 10 working-day guarantee, the Passport Express
and Northern Ireland Passport Express services, available through
local post offices, offer the simplest and most practical means of
renewing a passport. The public counters and out of hours
service operated by the Passport Office can still be used in the
event of a family emergency or where immediate travel is required.”


Note for editors:


As of 12 August there were 24,057 applications in the system down
from a high of 68,014 on 17 June.


ENDS+++


12 August 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:45:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State Power expresses concern and outlines response to date following the Pakistan floods]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83905</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister of State Power expresses concern and outlines response
to date following the Pakistan floods


As the number of people affected by the ongoing floods in Pakistan
reaches an estimated three million, Minister of State for Overseas
Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., has expressed his concern for
victims and sympathised with those who have lost family and friends
in the disaster. 


“Recent flooding in Pakistan has destroyed tens of thousands of
homes and impacted the lives of almost three million people. Our
thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones in the flooding
as well as to the people who have to face the aftermath of such
devastation.”


Through our support for the United Nations Central Emergency
Response Fund and through pre-positioned funds with Tr&#243;caire,
Ireland is already responding to the needs of affected people. I
have also placed our Rapid Response Corps on stand-by in case they
are needed.”


The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the
situation closely and is in close contact with United Nations and
aid agency representatives to determine the most effective way to
assist in the response.


Note for Editors


Ireland committed €20m to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund
(CERF) in 2009. The CERF provides rapid funding to emergencies and
disasters such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the
7th largest contributor having committed €73m since
2006. The UN has committed US$10m from the CERF in response to the
Pakistan flooding to date. Irish Aid also pre-positions emergency
funding with NGO partners such as GOAL, Concern and Tr&#243;caire in
order to allow for quick disbursal in emergency situations.
Tr&#243;caire has committed €200,000 in response to the crisis from
funding pre-positioned through the Irish Aid Emergency Response
Funds Scheme.


The Irish Rapid Response Corps comprises 130 volunteers with
specialised skills in areas such as logistics, engineering and
public health, which can prove vital in responding to emergency and
humanitarian situations. In addition, Irish Aid has pre-positioned
emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and water and sanitation
equipment in depots around the globe which can be called upon in an
emergency.


For further information visit www.irishaid.gov.ie or contact
Maggie Collins, Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs,on
01 854 6926





Ends+++


5 August 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:13:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister deplores last night’s bomb attack in Derry]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83904</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister deplores last night’s bomb attack in Derry


Speaking today the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin,
T.D., said:


“I deplore this act of reckless, senseless criminality, which put
at risk the lives of the community and which only acts to reinforce
divisions on this island. Anyone with information should contact
the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”


ENDS+++


3 August 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:10:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83902</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D.,
welcomes entry into force of the Convention on Cluster
Munitions


The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), adopted at the Dublin
Diplomatic Conference in May 2008, formally enters into force on 1
August, six months after the deposit of the thirtieth ratification.
The provisions of the treaty are now legally binding on the
thirty-seven States which have ratified the Convention. A further
sixty-nine States have signed the CCM and many are close to
ratification.


Minister Martin said:


“The entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions,
adopted in Dublin in May 2008 is a cause for great celebration.
 I am proud that Irish commitment has resulted in the
comprehensive ban contained in the Convention and the far-reaching
provisions on victim assistance and on clearance of cluster
munitions.I am delighted that these are now legally binding.
They have established a benchmark in international humanitarian law
and set a major standard for the future.A new
international norm has been established, stigmatising cluster
munitions and ultimately making their use unthinkable.


Ireland will continue to take a leading role in this work. The Lao
People’s Democratic Republic has kindly offered to host the first
Meeting of States Parties in Vientiane in November 2010 and we are
already working to support the Lao Government in its preparations
for that meeting, including by providing an Irish member of staff
for its support unit and a contribution of $500,000 to the Lao PDR
Cluster Munitions Trust Fund. The Vientiane meeting must send a
clear signal to the international community that implementation of
the Convention will be pursued with the same energy and vigour that
characterised its negotiation.”


The Minister also reiterated support for the work of civil society
in achieving such progress in preventing the appalling humanitarian
consequences of the use of cluster munitions. He noted that
funding of €250,000 had been committed to the Cluster Munition
Coalition (CMC), the umbrella NGO organisation, to support its work
in 2010.


Note for the Editor



A cluster munition is a conventional munition that is designed to
disperse or release explosive submunitions, each weighing less than
20 kilograms, and includes those explosive sub-munitions. Many such
submunitions fail to go off, causing continuing casualties long
after conflicts have ended. Cluster munitions have been used since
World War II, most extensively in Laos and Cambodia during the
1960s but also more recently in Lebanon and Iraq.


Ireland hosted the May 2008 Diplomatic Conference in Dublin, which
adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and was one of the
first four States to sign and ratify the Convention when it opened
for signature in Oslo in December 2008.


The heart of the Convention is an immediate and unconditional ban
on the use, development, production, acquisition, stockpiling,
retention or transfer of all cluster munitions which cause
unacceptable harm to civilians. The Convention also sets new
standards for assistance for victims/survivors.


The First Meeting of States Parties to the CCM will take place in
Vientiane, Lao PDR, in November 2010. It will agree steps for
future work to implement the treaty, including on victim
assistance, clearance of cluster munitions and stockpile
destruction. It will give impetus to efforts to achieve the widest
possible adherence to the Convention. The meeting will also
see a continuation of the partnership with civil society and
international organisations which played a vital role in the
establishment of the Convention in Dublin. In light of its
role in adoption of the treaty, Ireland will chair the formal
preparatory committee for the Vientiane meeting in Geneva in early
September.


Ireland has a long association with Lao PDR, the most cluster
munition-affected country in the world, in supporting clearance of
landmines and unexploded ordnance and we have provided over €4m for
this purpose in the past five years. We are assisting the Lao
Government in preparing for the Vientiane meeting, including by the
secondment of an Irish national to support
preparations. In addition, we have made a contribution
of over €400,000 to the recently established Lao PDR Cluster
Munitions Trust Fund.


Ireland has also taken a leading role in efforts to universalise
(seek universal adherence) to the CCM through our diplomatic
network and all other available channels.



ENDS+++

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:22:54 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83625</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Roche welcomes start of EU membership talks with
Iceland


The Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche T.D., speaking at the
General Affairs Council today (Monday 26 July) in Brussels,
welcomed the opening of accession negotiations with Iceland.


“I am pleased that we are moving ahead quickly on Iceland’s
application to join the European Union. Ireland has close
historical, political and cultural ties with Iceland. Clearly,
there will be issues of great interest to us in the accession
talks, such as fisheries. While we must now await the outcome of
the talks with Iceland, their accession to the EU is something that
I would regard as a very positive development”.


Accession negotiations between Iceland and the European Union will
be formally opening tomorrow, Tuesday 27 July, in Brussels.


ENDS


26 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:22:59 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Roche to discuss EU sanctions against Iran ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83623</link>
					<description><![CDATA[      Click here to read more.
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:16 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin Remembers Dr. Patrick Rice]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83616</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin Remembers Dr. Patrick Rice


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., today
paid tribute to the life of Dr. Patrick (Patricio) Rice, who died
yesterday, Wednesday 7 July.


Pat Rice was an extraordinary Irishman, who spent 40 years in Latin
America working in the field of human rights – as a teacher,
educator, activist and lobbyist.


Born in Fermoy, Co. Cork in September 1945, Dr. Rice worked with
the Divine Word Missionaries and subsequently the Little Brothers
[Hermanitos] of Charles de Foucauld in Argentina. He was abducted
on 11 October 1976 and physically abused and tortured while in
detention. Dr. Rice could have been one of the 30,000 persons
forcibly disappeared but for the prompt interventionof the
Irish Embassy in Argentina.


On his release, Pat Rice was instrumental in the creation of the
Committee for Human Rights in Argentina; the US Government hearing
on the ‘Disappeared’ in Argentina; and the Inter-American
Commission on Human Rights. He was a founding member and
served both as the Executive Secretary (1981-1987) and as a Senior
Advisor to the Executive Committee (1999-2010) of FEDEFAM (the
Latin American Federation of Association of Relatives of
Disappeared-Detainees). He was very recently honoured by his
appointment as Coordinator of the International Coalition against
Enforced Disappearances.


As part of his extensive involvement working with UN on human
rights, Pat Rice was a tireless advocate for an international
Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearances, which was ultimately adopted by the UN General
Assembly on 20 December 2006. Ireland demonstrated its
commitment to the forcibly disappeared by signing this Convention
on 29 March 2007. 


Pat Rice was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Law from University
College Cork in 2008 for his tremendous contribution in the area of
human rights and, in particular, his defence of the right of the
families of the ‘disappeared’. He will be remembered for the
profound impact he has made on Ireland, on Argentina, and on the
International human rights arena.


On behalf of the Irish Government, Minister Martin has extended his
deepest sympathies and condolences to Dr. Rice’s wife, Fatima
Cabrera, and his family. 


Ar dheis D&#233; go raibh a anam.


END


9 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:45:03 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin welcomes common European Union approach ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83622</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin welcomes common European Union approach


to the International Court of Justice Opinion on Kosovo


Minister Martin has joined Ireland’s voice to those of the other 26
Member States of the European Union in responding to the opinion of
the International Court of Justice on Kosovo.


The Minister welcomed the common statement issued by the EU High
Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of all of the Member
States. He stressed the importance of this united approach
for advancing positive EU’s relations with Kosovo and Serbia and
the Western Balkans in general, stressing that the future of all
countries of the Western Balkans lies within the European Union.


The EU statement reads as follows:


“The EU welcomes the publication of the advisory opinion of the
International Court of Justice. We are studying it with great
care.


The advisory opinion opens a new phase. The focus should now be
on the future. The future of Serbia lies in the European Union. The
future of Kosovo also lies in the European Union. This is in line
with the European perspective of the region and the relevant
Council conclusions.


Good neighbourly relations, regional cooperation and dialogue
are the foundations on which the EU is built.


The EU is therefore ready to facilitate a process of dialogue
between Pristina and Belgrade. This dialogue would be to promote
cooperation, achieve progress on the path to Europe and improve the
lives of the people. The process of dialogue in itself would be a
factor for peace, security and stability in the region.”


ENDS


22 July 2010










]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:17:33 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin congratulates the City of Derry on being chosen as UK City of Culture 2013]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83621</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin congratulates the City of Derry on being chosen
as UK City of Culture 2013





Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., congratulated
Derry~Londonderry on being chosen as UK City of Culture 2013. The
Minister said:


“This is a great day for Derry and for Northern Ireland. I want to
congratulate all those who were involved in the successful bid and
wish them well in preparing for 2013.


The selection of Derry with its stunning physical surroundings, its
long history and its young and vibrant population is not a surprise
to any of us who have been there. Its status as the first UK
City of Culture will provide an opportunity for many new visitors
to come and fall in love with the Maiden City.


Derry, like many places on this island, carries its scars but the
city’s dignified and unified reaction to the report of the Saville
Inquiry gave an example of how people in Northern Ireland can move
forward together.


Togetherness and reconciliation was at the heart of “Legenderry’s”
bid. There was support from organisations including the Apprentice
Boys and the GAA, from stars of stage and screen, from poets,
playwrights and politicians.


But today’s success really belongs to the local community. It shows
what the people of Derry~Londonderry can do when they work
together.”


Note for Editors


The competition for the first UK City of Culture was launched by
the British Culture Secretary in July 2009. The four shortlisted
cities were:



Birmingham


Derry


Norwich


Sheffield



Derry was announced as the winning city on 15th July
2010.


ENDS+++


15 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:38:01 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[“'Dissident' Republicans are unqualified partitionists” says Minister Martin]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83620</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
“'Dissident' Republicans are unqualified partitionists” says
Minister Martin





Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l
Martin, T.D.,


on the rioting in Northern Ireland





I am deeply concerned at the rioting and criminal activity which
has erupted in parts of Northern Ireland over the past few
days. I recognise that the days around the Twelfth of
July are always surrounded by tension and that ways still need to
be found to reduce the scope for conflict. However, what we
are seeing this year marks a considerable escalation over recent
years.





The fact that significant rioting has continued in Belfast and
elsewhere and that we witnessed an attack, involving robbery, arson
and vandalism, on a train carrying innocent civilians through
Lurgan is evidence of sinister forces at work. I would like
to pay tribute to the PSNI for their professionalism and restraint
in policing the unacceptable violence that has once again
disfigured the North of our country. I would urge that
everything continue to be done to avoid casualties.





Sadly, those in the front line of public disorder appear to be
mostly young people from disadvantaged areas looking to break the
boredom of a long and inactive summer.





Those directing the violence and who are encouraging these youths
to take to the street are the real guilty parties. By
their twisted logic, they believe that by inciting violence and
sectarian hatred, they can lead Ireland into the future by dragging
it back through the horrors of the past. Dreadful
as it is to contemplate, they are actually hoping that one or more
of the rioters will be killed or maimed in their conflict with the
police so that a new generation of martyrs for the cause will
inspire others to follow. They are also hoping by their
actions to provoke a violent reaction from the protestant community
so that communities will once again look to paramilitaries for
protection.





I appeal to anybody who has influence over the young people
involved in the rioting – mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters,
boyfriends, girlfriends – to do what you can to keep them from
being sacrificed by these cynical godfathers.
Keep your loved ones safe from harm. Seeing their name
painted on a gable wall will be scant consolation to you in years
to come should they fall into harm’s way.





To those misguided, would be republicans who delude themselves into
believing that an independent united Irish Republic can still be
achieved by violence, I say it’s time to face up to
reality. The war is over. The only way that
Irish unity, a goal, shared by the majority of people on this
island, can be achieved is through peace, reconciliation and
consent. The people of Ireland endorsed this reality when
they voted overwhelmingly to endorse the Good Friday
Agreement. If you do not have the stomach or the
patience for the long haul, leave it to those of us who do.





Right now, the biggest threat to Irish unity is not the British, or
the Orange Order, but those wannabe republicans who think that they
can bomb and shoot their way there.





What chance of peaceful coexistence and eventual reconciliation
when unionists fear that they will be marched into a united Ireland
with a gun in their back?





What chance of promoting the noble ideals of republicanism when the
flag of the Republic is used as an ugly mask for criminal
activity?





What chance of removing the British security presence from Ireland
when every effort is made to heighten insecurity on the
island?





Let nobody be fooled, these so-called “dissident” republicans are
unqualified partitionists. Nobody who believes in the
Republic should have anything to do with them.








ENDS


14 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:49:27 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin condemns violence in Belfast]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83619</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin condemns violence in Belfast


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., deplored the
incidents in Belfast over past two nights which have resulted in
injuries, including to PSNI officers, as well as damage to
property. The Minister said:


“I call on people from across the community -
paraders and protesters- to show restraint and respect for
all traditions on the Twelfth of July and throughout the year.
Last night’s disturbances in Ardoyne serve only to damage the
community within Ardoyne and good relations more generally.”


ENDS


13 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:31:05 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by Minister Martin condemning the Kampala bombings]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83618</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   






Statement by Minister Martin condemning the Kampala
bombings





“I am horrified and saddened at the appalling loss of life in last
night’s bomb attacks in Kampala which have resulted in the deaths
of over 70 people. Uganda is one of Irish Aid’s programme
countries in Africa and I have only just returned from a visit
there. I know that the mood in Kampala yesterday would have
been one of great joy, with celebrations to mark the conclusion of
Africa’s first World Cup. The peace of those
celebrations has been cruelly shattered by this heinous terrorist
attack which I utterly condemn.





On behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, I send heartfelt
sympathy to Government and people of Uganda, especially to the
bereaved and I offer my best wishes for a swift recovery to the
injured. The Irish Embassy in Kampala is offering
consular assistance to relatives and friends of those who may have
concerns about the welfare of Irish citizens in
Uganda.”








Note for editors:





An Irish citizen is believed to be among those killed. The
Department is in contact with the family and would ask the media to
respect their privacy while arrangements are being made for a
formal identification of the remains.








ENDS+++


12 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:34:56 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Fraudulent Use of an Irish Passport]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83615</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Fraudulent Use of an Irish Passport





It is a policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs to protect the
privacy of passport applicants and citizens, and to do whatever is
possible to ensure that their security and freedom of travel is
maintained. 





Documents filed as part of court proceedings in a recent highly
publicised case in the United States contained an allegation
concerning the fraudulent use of an Irish passport in the name of
Eunan Gerard Doherty. This allegation is currently
being investigated by the Passport Service and the Garda
S&#237;och&#225;na.





The details released in relation to the alleged forged passport
bear similarities to those of a passport issued to an Irish citizen
named Eunan Gerard Doherty who is entirely innocent of any
involvement in the case in question.The Passport
Service has arranged for replacement passports to be issued to Mr.
Doherty and his family.





Mr. Doherty and his family have been the subject of media attention
in recent days. The Department of Foreign Affairs would ask
the media to respect the privacy of this innocent family who,
through no fault of their own, have been caught up in this case and
who have no information in relation to the case other than what is
already in the public domain.








ENDS


9 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:28:29 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin welcomes the release of 52 political prisoners in Cuba]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83614</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



Minister Martin welcomes the release of 52 political prisoners
in Cuba





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., has
welcomed the announcement by the Cuban Government that fifty-two
political prisoners who remained from a group of seventy-five
originally incarcerated in 2003 are to be released. Speaking
today the Minister said:





&quot;Ireland has played an active role in seeking the release of
these political prisoners and, in my capacity as Minister for
Foreign Affairs, I have repeatedly raised our concern in meetings
with Cuban Ministers and officials.





I very much welcome the Cuban Government’s decision to resolve
this divisive issue in a comprehensive and positive way, and I want
to also acknowledge the efforts of the Catholic Church in Cuba and
the role of the Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos in
achieving this outcome.





I hope that, with the release of these prisoners, relations
between Cuba and the European Union can move forward, with early
agreement on arrangements for a more structured political dialogue
and enhanced social and economic cooperation.”





ENDS


8 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:07:42 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland is making a difference in Haiti says Minister for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83608</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Ireland is making a difference in Haiti says Minister for
Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power


The Minister for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., has
called for a renewed international effort to support the recovery
and reconstruction of Haiti in the wake of the devastating
earthquake of 12 January.


Speaking at the end of a two-day visit to Port-au-Prince today,
Minister Power paid tribute to the efforts of the Haitian people
and international aid agencies who are working tirelessly in
advance of the hurricane season in Haiti.


“An enormous amount has been achieved in a relatively short period
of time,” Minister Power said. “I was shocked by the scale of the
destruction. We have all seen the images of the Presidential Palace
in ruins and of the tent cities which are housing hundreds of
thousands of families.


“But it is only when you see it at first-hand that the enormity of
the task becomes clear. Haiti was literally reduced to rubble by
the earthquake and, in a very real sense, the Haitian people are
re-founding their country and society.”


Minister Power visited a number of camps during his visit,
including one in the former national stadium in which Irish aid
agency Concern is using Irish Government funding to provide basic
water and sanitation facilities to more than 20,000 people.


“I was moved by the plight of the thousands of people living under
tarpaulin in the Port-au-Prince stadium,” said the Minister. “The
conditions are extremely difficult. There is a complete lack of
facilities; of privacy; of any of the things we take for granted in
our daily lives. But in spite of that, the residents have immense
dignity and incredible resilience and good humour.”


During his visit Minister Power met a wide range of United Nation
agencies, aid agencies and other humanitarian groups. He also met
the Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive to discuss the
Haitian Government’s plans for the reconstruction of the country.


Immediately prior to the visit, he met the UN Special Envoy for
Haiti, former US President Bill Clinton. He also met members of
Irish Aid’s Rapid Response Corps who are providing valuable
specialised skills to UN agencies in Haiti.


Ireland has pledged 13 million to support the relief and
reconstruction effort in Haiti and is one of the largest per capita
donors to the impoverished Caribbean country.


Notes to the editor


•Minister Power spent July 5and 6, 2010 in Port-au-Prince,
Haiti


•Photos are by Andr&#233;s Mart&#237;nez Casares. There is no
reproduction fee.


•Ireland’s pledge of €13 million will be disbursed over three
years. It will support the Haitian Government’s plan for
reconstruction, which draws on the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
carried out by the UN, EU, World Bank and others in consultation
with civil society, NGOs and the private sector.
•Almost €1 million will go towards cancellation of Haiti’s
debt to the World Bank. The debt cancellation will be implemented
via a new dedicated debt relief trust fund set up at the World
Bank’s Development Association.
•The pledge of €13 million includes the €4 million already
provided to Haiti. This is made up of almost €3 million in direct
emergency funding to UN agencies and Irish NGOs including Concern,
Haven, World Vision, Plan Ireland and Goal. It also includes two
consignments of 130 tonnes of emergency supplies of shelter and
sanitation equipment which were distributed by Concern, Goal and
Trocaire on the ground.
•Ireland contributed €20 million to the United Nation's
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73
million since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami.
The CERF provides immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in
a crisis such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest
donor to this fund. This funding was drawn upon in the wake of the
Haitian earthquake.
•Five members of Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps remain on the
ground in Haiti. Four others have returned home, having completed
their deployment.





ENDS+++


6 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:36:36 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs launches the “Ambassadors for Peace” project]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83607</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs launches the “Ambassadors for
Peace” project





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., today
formally launched ‘2019, Bringing Down the Walls’, an
action plan put together by sixteen young men and women from
interface communities in Northern Ireland.





Speaking at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Fifth Reconciliation
Networking Forum1 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham,
Minister Martin said:





“This group of young people, from both main communities, worked
together in an innovative youth programme called Ambassadors for
Peace. They have committed themselves to creating a viable action
plan to eradicate peace walls by 2019. They will lobby on behalf of
their communities throughout their time on the programme and
beyond.”





Minister Martin emphasised the fundamental importance of young
people in sustaining the peace and building a shared future:





“The greatest strength of Ambassadors for Peace is that it is truly
a youth driven programme, and its aims and objectives very much
reflect the concerns and aspirations of young people.”





Commending the participants, the Minister announced funding of
€15,000 from the Reconciliation Fund2 for the
Ambassadors for Peace programme for 2010.





Note for Editors:


1The Reconciliation Networking Forum is a two-day
event attended by some 200 individuals representing community
groups engaged in reconciliation activities and anti sectarianism
projects on both sides of the border. The Forum gives participants
the opportunity to meet with other organisations active in the
reconciliation sector for the discussion of best practice and
future challenges in community relations.





2As part of the Good Friday Agreement, participants
undertook to “positively examine the case for enhanced financial
assistance for the work of reconciliation.” On that basis, a
Government Decision in April 1999 increased funding eightfold to &#163;2
million. The budget for this year is €3 million - this covers
both the Reconciliation Fund and the Anti-Sectarianism
Fund. Since 1999, the two Funds have between them
disbursed some €23 million to over 800 projects.





Ends + + +


5 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:09:20 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs announces funding for cross-community and cross-border outreach groups]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83606</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs announces funding for
cross-community and cross-border outreach groups





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D.,
today announced that 37 groups would receive €456,500 in funding to
underpin reconciliation initiatives under the Department of Foreign
Affairs' Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds.





Speaking at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Fifth Reconciliation
Networking Forum at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Minister Martin
said:





“My Department’s Reconciliation and Anti Sectarianism Funds have
developed a strong focus both on youth outreach and on community
empowerment and regeneration, reflecting many of the challenges
faced in our society today.





Among many of the groups receiving an Award today is Achieve
Enterprises, an innovative new project which will look at young
people’s rights and responsibilities around stop and search powers,
designed to improve young people’s relationships with authority and
with the police.”





Speaking of the importance of such work, the Minister said: “We
have an obligation to them to provide opportunities, to help them
find their voice, and ensure that they do not fall into the hands
of criminals, intent on destroying the hard won peace.





There can be no substitution or dilution of the role of policing in
society. Great progress has been made in making the PSNI more
representative of the whole community, as provided for in the
Patten Report and we must continue to build on this.”





Minister Martin described the removal of guns as “an opportunity to
reinvigorate our work in these communities and look at new forms of
cooperation and collaboration to ensure that there is a peace
dividend for all”. The Minister recalled that “the people of
Ireland, North and South, have said clearly that the only viable
road to unity on this island lies through peace, tolerance,
persuasion and agreement”.





Minister Martin said that “those who reject these principles
perpetuate the divisions on the island” and he emphasised his own
views of such activity - “as a democrat, as an elected
representative of a political party proud of and committed to its
republican tradition, I deplore their actions and call on them to
stop.”





The Minister commended all the groups receiving funding and thanked
them “for their sustained commitment to protecting our hard won
peace and building a prosperous future”.





Some of the projects approved for funding by the Minister include:





• Youth
Work Ireland Monaghan, to support the partnership between young
people from communities in Fermanagh, Monaghan and Belfast which
encourages young people to recognise the similarities between them,
to accept the differences and to challenge the barriers to peace
and reconciliation;





•
Newbuildings Community Association, to contribute to a cultural
diversity programme which encourages young people to become
involved in youth club activities, to build links with similar
communities and thereby encourage cross-community contact and
inter-action;





• New
Lodge Arts, towards their cross community youth arts festival
“Celebrate North Belfast” will take place at the end of July;





• Saint
Youth Centre in the Twinbrook/Poleglass area of West Belfast to
support their cross community work in East Belfast and North Down;





• Forge
Family Resource Centre, to develop a cross-border, cross-community
project in Pettigo and Tullyhommon;





&#183;
Forthspring Intercommunity Group which is helping build local
capacity and relationships across a difficult interface. This
project is a community driven initiative to improve relations and
to regenerate a deprived area;





&#183;
Community Relations in Schools who have developed a sustainable
model for building collaborative relationships between parent
groups at nursery school level.





Note for Editors:


As part of the Good Friday Agreement, participants undertook to
“positively examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for
the work of reconciliation.” On that basis, a Government Decision
in April 1999 increased funding eightfold to &#163;2 million. The
budget for this year is €3 million - this covers both the
Reconciliation Fund and the Anti-Sectarianism
Fund. Since 1999, the two Funds have between them
disbursed some €23 million to over 800 projects.





The Reconciliation Networking Forum is a two-day event
attended by some 200 individuals representing community groups
engaged in reconciliation activities and anti sectarianism projects
on both sides of the border. The Forum gives participants the
opportunity to meet with other organisations active in the
reconciliation sector for the discussion of best practice and
future challenges in community relations.





Projects approved for funding by the Minister under the
Reconciliation Fund are set out below:









Organisation




Delivery / Region




Amount Awarded






Achieve Enterprises




NI Wide




€42,500






All Ireland Schools Choir


(RTE / Cooperation Ireland)




North-South




€45,000






Axis Arts Centre Ballymun




North-South




€15,000






Ballykeel 2 Residents Association




Co. Antrim




€4,500






Ballymac Friendship Trust




Belfast East




€3,500






Belturbet Row Boat Club




North-South




€2,500






Brookeborough LOL / Riverstown




North-South




€2,500






Community Relations in Schools




Belfast wide




€12,500






Cumann Cult&#250;rtha Mhic Reachtain




Belfast North




€3,500






Forge Family Resource Centre




North-South




€12,500






Fountain Cultural Society (Cresco)




Derry City




€8,000






Friends Forever




Co. Antrim




€17,500






Handful Productions




Derry City




€5,000






Hazel Wand Theatre School




Co. Tyrone




€6,000






Hillsborough Working Together




Co. Down




€5,000






New Lodge Arts




Belfast North




€7,500






Newbuildings Community Association




Co. Derry




€7,500






Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership (O4O)




Co. Down




€9,500






Saints Youth Centre




Belfast West




€5,000






Short Strand Community Forum




Belfast East




€7,500






Strule Dolphins Swimming Club




Co. Tyrone




€4,000






Summer Madness




Belfast wide




€5,000






Woodvale Community Youth Group




Belfast North




€9,500






Youth Work Ireland-Monaghan




North-South




€10,000






Youthworks C.I.C.




Belfast wide




€15,000












Projects approved for funding by the Minister under the
Anti-Sectarianism Fund are set out below:









Organisation




Delivery / Region




Amount Awarded






Cairn Lodge Amateur Boxing Club




Belfast West




€3,500






Cityside Amateur Boxing Club




Derry City




€3,500






Clooney Estate Residents Association




Derry City




€4,000






Creggan Enterprises




Derry City




€10,000






ECF Links




Armagh




€20,000






Forthspring Inter Community Group




Belfast West




€15,000






ICTU




NI Wide




€90,000






Mission Hall Quilts Ltd (Cresco)




Derry City




€7,500






Peace &amp;amp; Reconciliation Group




Derry City




€5,000






Sally Gardens Community Centre




Antrim




€5,000






Show Racism the Red Card




North-South




€9,000






South Lough Neagh Regeneration Assoc.




Tyrone




€18,000









Ends + + +


5 July 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:06:21 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin begins visit to Ireland’s aid programme in Ethiopia]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83600</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin begins visit to Ireland’s aid programme in
Ethiopia





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin has arrived in
Addis Ababa at the start of a two-day visit to Ethiopia. This
morning, the Minister will visit a number of projects run by Irish
missionaries and NGOs. He will meet with Ethiopian political
figures, and also with Irish business people who are investing in
Ethiopia, creating job and trading opportunities, and helping to
build the capacity of the Ethiopian people to reduce poverty.





On Friday, the Minister will visit a health post, schools and local
communities in Gedamba, outside Addis Ababa. He will also
have discussions with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on development,
climate change and political issues, and will discuss regional
African issues with the Chairman of the African Union, Jean
Ping.





Minister Martin stated: “Ethiopia is making real progress in
moving from poverty, hunger and conflict towards development based
on economic growth. But it remains one of the poorest
countries. We are proud of the contribution Ireland is making
in Ethiopia in partnership with the Government and with local
communities, and I want to see the impact on lives of Ethiopian
people of the cooperation we have developed. I also look
forward to seeing for myself how Ethiopian business is
developing. Ireland has supported the development of the new
Commodity Exchange in Addis Ababa, which I will visit, and I will
meet with a number of Irish business people who are investing in
Ethiopia and creating new business and trading
opportunities”.





Ethiopia has been a priority country for Irish Aid since
1994. The country has made great progress in reducing
poverty. The number of health clinics, for instance, has
trebled in the past six years. The Government is committed to
supporting measures to benefit the poorest and most vulnerable
communities in Ethiopia, and this year will provide €26 million in
direct assistance, in addition to funding for missionaries and NGOs
working in the country.





Ends+++


1 July 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:41:50 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin launches new five-year programme of Irish assistance to Uganda]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83597</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin launches new five-year programme of Irish
assistance to Uganda





Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., is
currently on a three day visit to Uganda, one of Ireland’s priority
countries, to see at first-hand the impact of the Government’s
overseas aid programme and to meet with senior Government
representatives, political leaders and members of civil society.





Today, Minister Martin will launch Ireland’s new country strategy
programme for Uganda. The programme, which runs from 2010-2015,
will see Ireland focussing its support on some of the poorest and
most vulnerable people in Uganda. The main areas of support include
targeted programmes in education, tackling HIV and AIDS and
providing assistance for peace and reconciliation in Northern
Uganda, in particular, the northern area of Karamoja, which is one
of the poorest regions in Uganda. The country strategy also marks a
new departure for Irish Aid in Uganda because, as well as helping
the poor and vulnerable, it will also help build Uganda’s economic
development through support for the private sector
development. Ireland will also help strengthen Ugandan
capacity to manage the significant oil reserves recently discovered
in the country for the benefit of all its people.





Speaking in Uganda, Minister Martin said that “Uganda has made
huge progress in the last 16 years that Ireland has worked with in
partnership with its Government and people. We are seeing real and
measurable results on the ground. Poverty levels have reduced, HIV
and AIDS rates have declined and the numbers of children in school
have increased dramatically. However the country still faces real
challenges and that is why Ireland is determined to continue to
support Uganda’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic
development. Throughout our programme we focus on improving the
lives of ordinary people. We work with the Ugandan Government, with
local civil society organisations, with Irish NGOs such as Concern
and Trocaire and with Irish Missionaries, to ensure that our
aid is as effective as possible and that we are making a real
difference to the lives of those most in need.”


Note for Editors:


Irish Aid is the official development assistance programme of the
Irish Government.


Uganda has been an Irish Aid programme country since 1994. It is
one of the poorest in the world with chronic poverty levels of some
26%. Irish Aid recently approved its Country Strategy for 2010-2014
for Uganda which will see Ireland focus its support on
programmes which assist the most chronically poor and vulnerable
through support for HIV and AIDS activities, Education, Gender,
Good Governance, Private Sector Development and support for
Karamoja – one of the poorest and most disadvantaged regions of the
country.


Ends+++


30 June 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:18:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin in Northern Uganda]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83594</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin in Northern Uganda


Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., is in
Uganda, one of Ireland’s priority countries for development
assistance, to see at first hand the impact of the Government’s
overseas aid programme.





Today, Minister Martin will visit the Karamoja Region in the
North-East of the country with Mrs. Janet Museveni, Minister of
State for Karamoja and First Lady of Uganda, to officially launch
Ireland’s new programme of assistance to the people of Karamoja.





Minister Martin said that he was looking forward to meeting with
the people who have directly benefited from Ireland’s support and
learning more about the challenges that they still face.





As part of the tour of the region, Minister Martin will also visit
a local secondary school and open a new wing which has been funded
by Irish Aid. Minister Martin said: “I am looking forward
to meeting with the students of Moroto High School to see how
Ireland’s support has helped them get a decent education. As a
result of our assistance, some 1000 students are now able to attend
secondary school through our bursary scheme while we have succeeded
in creating 2,000 additional school places. I believe that
education is the best way of lifting people out of poverty, and
helping them to build a new life for themselves and their families
free from hunger and want. I know that the work we have been doing
in Karamoja has helped give some of the poorest people in Uganda a
chance of a better life, and I look forward to launching our
programme of assistance in the region for the next five years”


Note for Editors:


Irish Aid is the official development assistance programme of the
Irish Government.





Uganda has been an Irish Aid programme country since 1994. It is
one of the poorest in the world with chronic poverty levels of some
26%. Irish Aid recently approved its Country Strategy for
2010-2014 for Uganda which will see Ireland focus its support
on programmes which assist the most chronically poor and vulnerable
through support for HIV and AIDS activities, Education, Gender,
Good Governance, Private Sector Development and support for
Karamoja, which is one of the poorest and most disadvantaged
regions in Uganda.






The proposed Irish Aid support for Karamoja for the period 2010 to
2014 builds on an existing programme of support to education there
which dates from 2004. In addition to education, Irish Aid
will support a number of new and innovative initiatives which
include providing social protection for the poorest and most
vulnerable in the region and a programme to improve peoples’
livelihoods.







To date, Irish Aid has helped to rehabilitate 11 primary schools
and 2 teacher training colleges in Karamoja. Bursaries have
been provided to 1,000 students, both in Karamoja and in the Acholi
region. Irish Aid will continue to support a secondary school
bursary scheme in these regions.






Ends+++


28 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:11:43 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin visits Ireland’s aid programme in Uganda and Ethiopia]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83591</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin visits Ireland’s aid programme in Uganda and
Ethiopia





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., today
begins a five-day visit to Uganda and Ethiopia, two of the priority
countries for the Government’s aid programme. The main
purpose of the visit is to assess the impact of the aid programme
in the fight against poverty and hunger in Africa.


During his visit Minister Martin will meet with local communities,
key Government Ministers, representatives of Irish NGOs and
business contacts. He will also meet with Irish missionaries
working on the ground in both countries and visit schools, clinics
and a hospice funded by Irish Aid.


In Uganda, from 27 to 30 June, he will have meetings and visit
projects in Kampala, and travel to Karamoja, one of the poorest and
most disadvantaged regions of the country. In Karamoja he
will see how Ireland’s assistance has helped reduce conflict,
improve livelihoods and build schools. The Minister will also
launch the new five year strategy for Ireland’s development support
for Uganda. In Ethiopia, from 30 June to 2 July, the
Minister will hold discussions with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi,
meet with Irish NGOs and visit clinics funded by Irish Aid.
He will also meet with Irish business people working in the
country. He will discuss regional issues with the Chairperson
of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping, at the organisation’s
Headquarters in Addis Ababa.


At the start of the visit, Minister Martin stated:


“I want to visit Uganda and Ethiopia to see the impact on the
lives of the people of both countries of the Government’s aid
programme. Ireland has a strong commitment to providing
strategic assistance to both countries, working in partnership to
make a real impact on the fight against poverty and hunger.
Our assistance to Uganda and Ethiopia ensures that some of the
poorest communities in Africa have access to better nutrition and
healthcare, that the scourge of HIV and AIDS is being tackled
effectively and that children have a chance to get a decent
education.


In addition to meeting local political figures, I look forward to
seeing first-hand the magnificent work of Irish missionaries and
NGOs. I also want to explore the opportunities to develop
closer trade links between Ireland and Africa. I look
forward to meeting Irish business people who are working with
African partners in both Uganda and Ehtiopia to develop new
businesses which can provide jobs and trading opportunities to help
lift people in Africa out of poverty.”


Note for Editors


Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Martin will visit Uganda and
Ethiopia from 27 June to 2 July. They are two of the nine priority
countries of the Government’s aid programme, which is managed by
Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs. In 2010, the
Government will provide €33 million in direct assistance to Uganda
and €26 million to Ethiopia, in addition to funding channelled to
development work in both countries by NGOs and missionaries.


In Uganda, Ireland’s assistance has helped:-


&#183; Reduce
poverty: the percentage of people living in poverty declined
from 56% in 1992 to 31% in 2006.


&#183; Reduce Child
Mortality: Under-five mortality rates have declined from 180
per 1000 live births in 1990 to 137 per 1000 in 2006;


&#183; Provide access
to Universal Primary Education: Uganda is one of the few
countries in sub-Saharan Africa that will meet the Millennium
Development Goal of access to Universal Primary Education (UPE) by
2015. There are now 7.4 million pupils in primary schools compared
to 2.5 million in 1997.


In Ethiopia, Ireland’s assistance has helped:-


&#183; Fight extreme
poverty and hunger: through its productive Safety nets
programme Irish Aid helps 7.5 million people who are unable to
provide for their household food needs and helps them out of
chronic food insecurity.


&#183; Combat
HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases: the number of childhood
malaria cases reported at clinics fell by over 60% and child
malaria death rates were halved within two years 2005-2007) through
the use of mosquito nets.


&#183; Improve
maternal health: Ireland provides support for 30,000 health
care workers who provide education and assistance to ensure that
babies are delivered safely.





Ends+++


27 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:47:31 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[New Ambassdors present credentials ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83590</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
New Ambassadors present Credentials


Their Excellencies the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman,
the Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia, the Ambassador of the
Republic of Sierra Leone and the Ambassador of Nepal presented
their Letters of Credence to the President at &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in
today.


H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Zahir Al Hinai, together with the other
Ambassadors who presented their credentials today, is resident in
London.


H.E. Mr. Royson Mabuku Mukwena was accompanied by his son, Mr.
Mandandi Mukwena and Mr. Samutete Mungongi, First Secretary at the
Embassy.


H.E. Mr. Edward Mohamed Turay was accompanied by Mrs. Josephine
Marah, Counsellor at the Embassy.


H.E. Mr. Suresh Chandra Chalise was accompanied by Mr. Khimanand
Bhusal, Consular Attach&#233; at the Embassy.


Mr. John Curran, T.D., Government Chief Whip, represented the
Government at the ceremony.


The following were also present: Mr. Adrian O’Neill,
Secretary-General to the President, Mr. Barrie Robinson, Assistant
Secretary, Ms. Kathleen White, Chief of Protocol, Mr. Joe Brennan,
Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mr. Kieran Dowling, Deputy Chief of
Protocol, Ms. Marion O’Donnell, Assistant Chief of Protocol, at the
Department of Foreign Affairs.


The Ambassadors were escorted to and from &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in by an
Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from
the 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, under the command
of Lieutenant Laura Keane.


The Guard of Honour was provided at &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in by troops
drawn from the 28th Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Co.
Donegal, under the command of Lieutenant Deirdre Newell.


The Band of the 4th Western Brigade was conducted by
Captain Declan Whitston.


Ends+++


25 June 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:58:52 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[From the Bronx to Berkeley, 23 Irish Fulbright Awardees off to the US ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83589</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
The Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche T.D., and the U.S.
Ambassador Dan Rooney officially announced details of the 23
successful Irish Fulbright Awardees for 2010-2011, at a ceremony in
Iveagh House, Dublin. These scholarships have provided Irish
students, scholars and professionals with the opportunity to study,
lecture and research at top universities and institutions in the
U.S. since 1957.





This year’s Irish recipients have been accepted to prestigious
institutions including Columbia University, the University of Notre
Dame, Princeton, Yale and Berkeley. Out of the 23 scholarships and
awards, 9 are for research projects in the areas of science,
technology, environment, health and medicine. The demand for Irish
language teachers in the U.S. continues to grow and this year 8
Irish awardees will spend time teaching the language and lecturing
in Irish culture. The remaining 6 recipients will conduct study and
research in law, music and other humanities and social science
disciplines.





One of the most prestigious awards being given is the Fulbright
International Science and Technology Award to Mr Ronan McGovern
who will enrol on a fully funded PhD in Engineering worth $300,000
at the highly acclaimed Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT).





Speaking at the event, Dick Roche T.D, Minister for European
Affairs said:





“Diversity is at the heart of the Fulbright Programme and the broad
range of disciplines represented - science, music, Irish language
and Heritage, medicine, law, technology and art history – is a
credit to the many talents of the Irish scholars. Educational
exchanges are key to strengthening the close and friendly ties
between countries and I am delighted to see so many Irish Scholars
raising interest abroad in our values, our language, our heritage
and our culture.”








Speaking about the Fulbright Scholarships and Awards,
Ambassador Rooney said:





“The U.S. and Ireland have had a proud tradition of collaboration
through the Fulbright Scholarship for over 50 years. I congratulate
the 23 Irish recipients here today and encourage each of you to
make the most of your time in the U.S. As Fulbright Scholars, your
experience will not only be a valuable resource for you but for
also for your country on your return.”





Una Halligan, Chairperson of the Fulbright Commission of Ireland
said:





“Education and innovation are crucial to the future growth of
Ireland’s economy. The U.S. remains the premier destination for
scientific study and research and these Fulbright scholarships
offer recipients the opportunity to collaborate with some of the
finest minds in the world. We were extremely impressed with the
high calibre of applications this year which made the selection
process particularly difficult. However, we are confident the 23
successful candidates will do an exceptional job in each of their
respective universities and representing Ireland.”








The Fulbright Scholarships and Awards are presented on an annual
basis to Irish students, scholars and professionals to undertake
postgraduate study and research at higher education, cultural and
related institutions in the United States. Applications
are encouraged in all disciplines including the visual and
performing arts.





ENDS
For further information please contact:


Colleen Dube, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission


01-660 7670


087 – 905 1222


colleen.dube@fulbright.ie





Notes to Editor:





Irish Fulbright Recipients 2010-2011





1.
Mr. Paul Alexander is undertaking a research masters in
University College Dublin in the area of Climatology, Urban
Climates and Climate change. While on his Fulbright he will conduct
research in the area of urban climatology at the School of
Geographical Sciences + Urban Planning at Arizona State University.
He is the recipient of the Fulbright – Environmental Protection
Agency Award in Environmental Science &amp;amp; Policy.





2.
Ms. Marie-Louise Bowe is currently a Music Methodology
lecturer at NUI Maynooth and Music Teacher at Belvedere College
Dublin and also the founder and director of the Wind Band
Programme. Ms. Bowe will undertake an Ed.D at Columbia College in
New York City in music and music education. Her main area of
research is the ‘examination of Instrumental Music Education in
Ireland’.





3.
Mr. Michael Casey has just completed his M.A in Modern Irish
at University College Dublin. He will be a Fulbright Foreign
Language Teaching Assistant at Haskell Indian Nations University in
Kansas.





4.
Mr. David Comerford is a third year Doctoral student of
Economics at University College Dublin. David will undertake
research as part of his Ph.D. in the area of Consumer judgment and
Decision Making at Duke University, North Carolina.





5.
Dr. Katherine Curran is based at School of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology in University College Dublin. Dr. Curran will
undertake research at University of Illinois in the area of –
Design Rules for Dynamic Macrocyclisation and the potential
applications.





6.
Ms. Marie Darmody has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in
Education at National University of Ireland - Galway. Marie will be
a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at University of
Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.





7.
Mr. Maiti&#250; de H&#225;l is currently undertaking a Masters in
Irish at the National University of Ireland – Galway. Maiti&#250; will
be a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at Elms College,
Massachusetts.





8.
Dr. Liam Delaney is currently a lecturer in Economics and
Deputy Director of the Geary Institute in University College
Dublin. Dr. Delaney will undertake research at Princeton University
in the area of Historical and Policy Determinants of Irish Health
and Well Being.





9.
Mr. Paul Duffy is a Ph.D. candidate at the Dublin Institute
of Technology. Paul intends to develop and test an automated
biosensor capable of detecting specific DNA target sequences during
his Fulbright research project at Purdue University in
Indiana. This research will be integrated into his current
research to develop a water quality monitoring and control system.





10. Mr.
Ian Hastings will receive a Bachelor of Civil Law from
University College Dublin’s School of Law. Ian has been
accepted onto the University of Chicago’s LLM programme where he
intends to focus on constitutional and tort law.





11. Dr.
Michael Geary is a Lecturer in History of European
Integration at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
He is Ireland’s first recipient of a Fulbright – Schuman Award that
promotes research and teaching in EU – US Studies.





12. Ms.
Mary Healy is a Ph.D. Research Scholar specialising in Art
History at the University of Limerick. Mary has constructed the
first database which uncovers and records almost 100 French women
orientalist artists. She will conduct further research and analysis
of her field at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.





13. Dr. Peter
Lonergan is a graduate in physiology and medicine from Trinity
College, Dublin. He recently completed his Basic Surgical Training
with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and will be pursuing
research at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota on hormone resistant
prostate cancer.





14. Mr.
Ronan McGovern is Ireland’s third recipient of the Fulbright
International Science &amp;amp; Technology Award in four
years. Ronan has recently completed his B.A. in Engineering
at UCD and will enrol on a fully funded Ph.D. in Mechanical
Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in August
2010.





15. Dr.
Mark McKinney is this year’s recipient of the Fulbright Irish
Language Scholar Award. A lecturer in Irish at Queen’s
University Belfast, Mark will teach Irish at the University of
Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and produce a comprehensive
dictionary of modern Irish proverbs spanning the years 1856-1952.





16. Mr.
Paul May is receiving the Fulbright – Enterprise Ireland
Award in Science, Technology and Innovation. Paul
received a BSc in Multimedia from Dublin City University and has
been working in the field for 5 years. Paul will study for a
Masters in Interactive Telecommunications at the Tisch School of
Arts in New York University.





17. Ms.
Anna Moynihan is this year’s recipient of the Fulbright –
Teagasc Award in Agriculture. Anna is a Ph.D. candidate
in Food Chemistry in University College Cork. She will
research the use of nanoparticles to improve the flavour and
texture of low-fat cheddar cheese at the University of Wisconsin.





18. Ms.
Sinead Murnane is the Fulbright – CRH Awardee in
Business Studies. A Ph.D. candidate in business at the UCD
Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Sinead will conduct
research into management information and knowledge management
systems at the Intermountain Institute for Health Care Delivery
Research in Salt Lake City, Utah.





19. Ms. Siobh&#225;n
N&#237; Mhaolag&#225;in has a Masters in Irish and Communications from
UCD and has been a teaching Irish at UCD since 2008. Siobh&#225;n
will now teach Irish as a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching
Assistant in Lehman College, City University of New York in the
Bronx.





20. Mr. Se&#225;n &#211;
Curraigh&#237;n has recently completed his BA in Irish and
Journalism from Dublin City University. Se&#225;n will be a
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at the University of
St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.





21. Dr. Felix &#211;
Murchadha is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the National
University of Ireland Galway. Dr. &#211; Murchadha will
spend his Fulbright year at Fordham University, Bronx, New York
teaching two courses and researching the phenomenology of religion
with a view to producing a monograph showing how the limits of
reason are marked by the conflicting universal claims of
skepticism, on the one hand, and of faith, on the other.





22. Dr.
Emilie Pine is a Lecturer in Modern Drama in the School of
English, Drama and Film in University College Dublin. As this
year’s Fulbright Irish Studies Scholar at the University of
California – Berkeley, Dr. Pine will teach a graduate seminar on
Irish culture and conduct research towards a cultural history of
Ireland in the 1930s.





23.
Ms. Ciara Ryan holds Masters in Translation Studies from
Dublin City University where she is currently employed as an
Assistant Research Editor. Ciara will be a Fulbright Foreign
Language Teaching Assistant at the University of Montana, Missoula,
Montana.





Overview of the Fulbright Programme and Commission





&quot;The Fulbright Program aims to bring a little more knowledge, a
little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs
and thereby to increase the chance that nations will learn at last
to live in peace and friendship.&quot;


J.William Fulbright








“The simple purpose of the exchange program…is to erode the
culturally rooted mistrust that sets nations against one another. –
J. William Fulbright





The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation
sponsored by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas whose
vision was to build an alternative to armed conflict
by providing a structured network for dialogue and exchange between
individuals and cultures.





The purpose of the Program world-wide is to increase
mutual respect and understanding between the people of the United
States and the people of other countries through educational and
cultural exchanges. The Fulbright Program awards
approximately 6,000 new grants annually and operates in over 150
countries worldwide.





Fulbright grants which include a monetary award, visa
administration, health insurance and cultural and professional
programs are awarded through a process of national recruitment,
open merit-based competition, stringent selection and approval by
the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in Washington,
DC.





The primary function of the Fulbright Commission in
Ireland is to administer the Fulbright Program which was
established in Ireland in 1957 to provide scholarships to Irish
citizens to lecture, research or study in the United States and for
the US citizens to lecture, research or study in Ireland.
Since that time more than 1,600 Irish postgraduate students,
academics and professionals have studied in top US colleges and
research institutes and more than 600 US students and scholars have
come to Ireland. According to one US Grantee to
Ireland, his Fulbright grant was





“Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a priceless
gift.”

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:39:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs pays tribute to the late Lt Gen (Ret) Dermot Earley]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83588</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs pays tribute to the late Lt Gen
(Ret) Dermot Earley





The Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Mr. M&#237;che&#225;l Martin, T.D., expressed his deep
sadness on the death of the recently retired Chief of Staff of the
Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Dermot Earley.





He said:





“Dermot Earley’s death has been greeted with great sadness in the
Department of Foreign Affairs. I and many of my
officials worked closely with Dermot at various points of his long
and distinguished career of service with the Army and the United
Nations. Indeed, only a matter of months ago, he was working
with me and others in the efforts to secure the release of Sharon
Commins and Hilda Kiwuki.





Dermot was passionate in the pursuit of excellence, whatever flag
he was striving under; be it as a soldier serving under the light
blue of the United Nations or the green, white and orange of
Ireland, or as a footballer, wearing the primrose and blue of his
native Roscommon. He will be greatly missed by
all those who knew him but most deeply by his family to whom I
express my sincerest condolences and those of all in the Department
of Foreign Affairs.”





ENDS+++


23 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:16:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin to remember the victims of the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83587</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin to remember the victims


of the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D.,
will today represent the Government at a ceremony in Ahakista in
Co. Cork commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Air
India bombing disaster.


Also attending today’s ceremony will be Minister Salman Khurshid,
representing the Government of India; Minister Jason Kenny,
representing the Government of Canada; members of Cork County
Council and representatives of the families of the victims.


The bombing of Air India flight 182, as it flew towards the coast
of Ireland on its planned journey from Montreal to London on the
early morning of 23 June 1985, led to the deaths of all 307
passengers and 22 crew on board, making it one of the worst
aviation disasters in history. Most of the victims were
naturalised citizens of Canada of Indian birth or descent who were
en-route to India to visit their friends and families.


It was at 8:23am, 180 miles south-west of Ahakista that the bomb on
board flight 182 exploded and the tragedy has been commemorated
annually on this date since then. Engraved on Ken Thompson’s
sun-dial memorial to the victims, erected in 1986, are the words
“time flies, suns rise and shadows fall; let it pass by, love
reigns forever overall”.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:14:23 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83582</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Annual Travel Advice


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D. today
called for Irish people to exercise caution and common sense while
travelling abroad this summer. The Minister pointed out that
while the vast majority of trips abroad take place safely and
without injury, unfortunately for a small minority the consequences
of some unforeseen events can be tragic. The Minister’s
comments came against a background of a rising number of deaths of
Irish citizens abroad and the onset of the summer holiday season.
Recent travel disruptions caused by the volcanic ash cloud also
brought to mind the importance of people taking additional care in
making their travel arrangements.


Minister Martin pointed out that primary responsibility for
ensuring a citizen’s safety lies with the citizen themselves and it
is incumbent on all to exercise common sense and to take sensible
precautions. In particular, the Minister called on those travelling
abroad to:


&#183; First and
foremost – an absolute necessity - take out personal travel
insurance. The lack of insurance has caused huge hardship to many
families who have found a loved one the victim of an accident/crime
or struck down with a sudden illness. The Minister stressed
that travel insurance is of fundamental importance adding “I cannot
stress strongly enough the necessity of taking travel insurance out
before you travel.”


&#183; Be aware of what
recreational activities are and are not covered by your travel
insurance policy.


&#183; Register on line
with the Department of Foreign Affairs website www.dfa.ie so that in the event of an
emergency or local natural disaster the nearest Irish embassy or
consulate can contact you.


&#183; Consult the
latest the travel advice on the www.dfa.ie website. The advice is there
for the benefit of travellers abroad and if there is a sudden
change in the situation, it will be posted on this site.


&#183; If travelling to
a member state of the European Union, be advised that you are
entitled to receive emergency medical treatment on the same basis
as a national of the country concerned but you must have a European
Health Insurance Card issued by your local health authority. Make
sure that you apply for your card well in advance of your intended
travel date.


&#183; Ensure that you
have access to enough money for the trip, and some in reserve in
case of emergency. Try to limit the amount of cash you carry on
your person.


&#183; Make sure your
travel documents are in order - passport, visa etc. Apply for your
passport well in advance. It is a good idea to bring a photocopy of
your personal information pages of the passport with you. Keep this
separate from your passport. This will greatly speed up the
issuance of an emergency travel document if your passport is lost.


&#183; Respect local
laws and customs and do not engage in anti-social or reckless
behaviour. If intending to drive abroad, familiarise yourself with
the rules of the road of the country you will be visiting. Avoid
consuming excessive quantities of alcohol or purchasing or using
illicit drugs. Avoid unnecessary risks. Do not go swimming
while intoxicated and never drink and drive.


&#183; Consult the
Department Consular Charter, “Travel Safely – Sl&#225;n Abhaile” which
can be obtained from the Department, libraries and some Garda
stations. It is also on the www.dfa.ie website. This publication
outlines in very readable terms the type of consular assistance
that the Irish State can provide. It also indicates areas where the
Government cannot assist such as legal fees abroad, undertake an
investigation into a crime etc.


The Minister went on to state that if a citizen encounters
difficulty abroad and needs consular assistance, the address and
telephone numbers of all our missions overseas, including our
Embassies, Consulates and Honorary Consulates can be accessed on
the www.dfa.ie website.


While wishing all those about to embark on a holiday an enjoyable
and happy journey, the Minister added that taking the above steps
will help ensure a safe summer vacation for Irish families this
year.


ENDS


20 June 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:57:55 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83581</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Opening speech by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l
Martin, T.D. to the


Ireland Funds Global Young Leaders
Conference,Farmleigh, 19 June 2010





Last September, at this same venue, the Government convened a
unique gathering of leading members of the Irish Diaspora along
with key domestic political and business figures.


The inaugural Global Irish Economic Forum was conceived with two
overriding objectives- to identify ways in which the Irish at home
and abroad could work together to assist with our economic
recovery; and to develop a greater strategic relationship between
Ireland and leading members of our Diaspora.


The Forum was widely regarded as a significant and transformative
event.


It has delivered on both objectives- we have taken forward and
implemented many of the proposals which emerged; and there
has been an upsurge in the nature and extent of the engagement
between Ireland and the global Irish. 


In planning the Forum and taking forward its subsequent work
programme, we have been fortunate to have the strong support and
assistance of the Ireland Funds. Many of the Funds’ leading
supporters played a constructive role during the Forum itself and
have continued this positive engagement in the period since.


I would like to pay special tribute to Lorretta Brennan Glucksman
for her assistance and for her longstanding and unstinting
commitment to the development of a peaceful and prosperous
Ireland.


Implementing a successful Diaspora strategy can only be achieved by
Government in close cooperation with our communities abroad.


In pursuing our objectives in this priority area, we are fortunate
indeed to have the benefit of a strong and enduring partnership
with the Ireland Funds: 


Your organisation has long recognised the enormous resource that is
the global Irish and the exciting opportunities it provides;


You have been an invaluable partner in our efforts to build lasting
peace and reconciliation on this island;


You have built a global network of highly influential individuals
and orientated them towards constructive engagement with this
country;


And you are now regarded rightly as a world leader in philanthropy
and Diaspora engagement.


Young Leaders


One theme which featured prominently during last year’s Forum was
the need for greater engagement with the next generation of global
Irish leaders and the importance of forging links between these
leaders and their counterparts in Ireland.


Today’s meeting represents a vital contribution towards achieving
this objective. I warmly commend all those who have embraced this
opportunity by travelling to Ireland from the US, Britain and
elsewhere, as well as those who are based here in Ireland.


We have seen the Ireland Funds Young Leaders grow as an
organisation from their early beginnings in Boston in 1991, to a
vibrant network of more than 5,000 members in cities across the
United States and, increasingly, worldwide.


Though your greatest accomplishments are no doubt yet to come, the
Young Leaders have already achieved much. You have
energetically taken up the philanthropic tradition of the Ireland
Funds, supporting organisations like Barretstown, Habitat for
Humanity, Peace Players International, the Special Olympics, and
many more great causes.


I would like to also commend the emphasis put on personal mentoring
– allowing the Young Leaders to benefit from the experience and
contacts of the established members of the Ireland Funds.
This has simultaneously helped Young Leaders advance
professionally, while embedding the ethic of wider social
responsibility and affinity with Ireland which has characterised
the Ireland Funds since its foundation.


Networks like the Young Leaders take their place alongside a
spectrum of organisations working to promote and deepen those
business, cultural and personal links between us and our Diaspora.


I am particularly pleased to also welcome here today
representatives of Irish Network USA, including its Chairperson,
Aoife Butler. I know that this new and growing professionals
network already collaborates with the Young Leaders on the ground
in cities across the US. That kind of cooperative approach –
linking our efforts, expanding our networks – is the only way we
will mobilise the real potential of our global community.


The Global Irish


Any discussion of harnessing the Irish Diaspora for the
21st Century must commence with a recognition of how
some 70 million people around the world can today trace their
ancestors to this island. The modern global Irish family emerged
from the generations of Irish emigrants who left Ireland out of
necessity. Though many carved new and successful lives for
themselves abroad, the emigrant experience was often one
characterised by hardship, loneliness and considerable personal
sacrifice.


I am therefore pleased that, over the past six years, the
Government has been able to provide over €60million to support
those Irish emigrants abroad who continue to experience
difficulties and to ensure that our communities have the necessary
infrastructures in place to remain vibrant for the foreseeable
future. The Ireland Funds have also recognised the importance
of reaching out to the more vulnerable members of our overseas
communities through your ‘Forgotten Irish’ campaign.


Together we have made a difference in the quality of life
experienced by thousands of Irish people abroad, particularly the
elderly and most vulnerable. In doing so, we honour the
experience and legacy of generations of emigrants.


As part of our commitment to building on their legacy, the
Government has taken a broad and inclusive approach when it comes
to defining our global community. The Irish Diaspora is not limited
to Irish citizens living abroad or to those who have activated
citizenship. Instead, it encompasses all those who believe they are
of Irish descent and feel a sense of affinity with this
country.


This is powerfully reflected in Article 2 of the Irish Constitution
which now states that “the Irish nation cherishes its
special affinity with people of Irish ancestry living abroad who
share its cultural identity and heritage”. It was
entirely appropriate that this amendment was included as a
consequence of the Good Friday Agreement- a landmark development in
Irish history that the Irish abroad, including the Ireland Funds,
did so much to help achieve.


There are many in this room whose Irish family connections date
back several generations and who may not therefore qualify for
Irish citizenship. However, your presence here today and ongoing
commitment to this country is a powerful testament to the enduring
draw of our common heritage. I believe it is essential that
we in Ireland value and affirm the validity of this sense of
Irishness felt by so many people abroad.


I have therefore decided to proceed with the introduction
of a Certificate of Irish Heritage which will be available to
those of Irish descent who do not qualify for citizenship. It
is expected that this new initiative will be operational later this
year. 


Forum Follow Up


Since last year’s Forum, extensive efforts have been taken by the
Government and the private sector to advance the various
initiatives that emerged fromits deliberations and to further
enhance the practical connections between the Irish at home and
abroad. 


A Progress Report published in March contains specific updates in
respect of a wide range of initiatives in areas as diverse as
innovation; greentech; Diaspora engagement; culture, financial
services; tourism, energy and food. 


As part of this follow up process, the Government has also provided
over $3million for a landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York and
significant funding for new initiatives such as the Irish
Technology Leadership Group in Silicon Valley and a Farmleigh
Fellowship Graduate Programme in Asia.


The broad economic policies that were advocated by many
participants were reflected significantly in Budget 2010. The
Farmleigh follow-up process has also assisted other work underway
across Government, including the implementation of our strategy for
a new Smart Economy.


While the range of practical ideas that are now being implemented
are significant in themselves, I believe that the lasting legacy of
the Forum will be the manner in which it generated a heightened
level of awareness of the importance of the Ireland-global Irish
relationship.


The Forum created an invaluable network of successful business
figures across the globe who now feel that they have a stake in
delivering renewed economic growth in Ireland.


It demonstrated that in this modern globalised world, the reach,
power and influence of so many members of the Irish Diaspora can
provide Ireland with an important competitive edge.


Our communities abroad, through organisations such as the Ireland
Funds, have long understood the inherent value and importance of
the relationship between Ireland and its Diaspora. However,
perhaps we in Ireland, across all sectors, tended at times to take
the relationship for granted or were slow to appreciate its full
potential. The energy, commitment and sense of innovation
generated at last year’s Forum fundamentally changed perceptions
here- a change that I believe is irreversible.


There is now widespread acceptance that a small country like ours
must maximise the potential of all sources of ‘soft power’, of
which our Diaspora is a prime example. The Government has,
therefore, moved quickly to establish a new Global Irish Network
made up of those invited to Farmleigh and other Irish business
leaders abroad.


A series of valuable regional meetings of this network have taken
place so far this year in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle
East and I intend to convene a further such meeting for US based
members in New York in November.


I am delighted that the Ireland Funds and its supporters have
played a central role in this development which is designed to
complement the work of organisations such as yours and will provide
an important mechanism for building on the work begun at Farmleigh.


The new generation of the global Irish family have a critical role
to play in this process of deepening and strategic
engagement. In this globalised world of mass and easy
communication, the range of demands and opportunities which compete
for the attention of our young people are considerable.


It would be easy and understandable for this and coming generations
of the global Irish to regard their Irish connection as a positive,
but essentially passive dimension to their lives- as a legacy
that helps explain who they are, rather than one which can actively
contribute to their future achievements.


The Government’s Diaspora strategy and the work of the Ireland
Funds seeks to ensure that all of us, at home and abroad, see our
future as a shared one. As one where our common Irish
connection gives us a unique advantage that can deliver practical
win-win results for Ireland and the individual members of our
Diaspora.


The Young Leaders, and other young networks abroad, have recognised
and embraced this powerful concept. Targeted networks with a
clear remit and focus are the key mechanism through which the
aspiration of greater Diaspora engagement can be made meaningful
and deliver real and practical results. 


From a Government perspective, networks such as the Young Leaders
are critical to ensuring that successful young people abroad with
Irish connections remain engaged in developments here and willing
to work with us to overcome challenges and avail of opportunities.


I want to assure all of you that you will have the strong support
of the Irish Government as you continue to build and expand your
organisations.


Northern Ireland


As we identify and face future challenges together, we can draw
inspiration from the success of the peace process in Northern
Ireland as a powerful demonstration of what Ireland and its
communities abroad can achieve through common purpose and
endeavour.


I recognise and deeply appreciate that the commitment by our
friends abroad to the cause of peace and reconciliation remains as
strong as ever.


The appointment of Declan Kelly by Secretary Clinton as US Economic
Envoy to Northern Ireland is yet another demonstration of the way
in which the United States, and our community there, has stood with
Ireland as we travelled the long road to peace and in ensuring that
the achievements of the past decade continue to be consolidated.


As those of you who travelled to Belfast yesterday will no doubt
agree, we are in a better position than ever before to capitalise
on the new opportunities made possible by peace and political
stability. And we are working together, North and South, to make
our shared vision of a prosperous and innovative island a reality.


Where once politicians from each part of Ireland read about their
differences in a newspaper, today they are meeting in person or
picking up the phone, arguing options and agreeing joint plans for
investment or shared services.


We have had more than 60 meetings of our North/South Ministerial
Council in the last three years alone, taking forward joint
initiatives in areas like transport, health and education and
directing the important work of our North/South Bodies on issues
like trade and tourism. The Government is investing very
significant funding in new roads to the North-West and along our
eastern seaboard and we have delivered a Single Electricity Market
for the island.


The growing recognition is that we’re stronger when we stick
together and weaker when we work alone.


And, increasingly, our joint work is in conjunction with our
friends and partners in the United States and around the world.


We are building new linkages between our brightest innovators
through the US-Ireland Research and Development Partnership,
pioneering work in areas like diabetes and nano-technology.


We are delivering high-speed and low-cost broadband to both parts
of the island and our shared investment in a high-tech
transatlantic connection with North America. And we are continuing
to deliver the highest quality cancer research for both parts of
the island through the US-Ireland Cancer Consortium.


We have North-South cooperation in Ireland now in almost all policy
areas and across all disciplines. But it is the collaboration
between our universities, between our researchers and between our
young people that is perhaps the most encouraging development of
all. It is the story which will ultimately give us the confidence
to project to the world a coherent – and, crucially, accurate –
message of a dynamic and thriving ‘Innovation Island’. 


Building lasting reconciliation throughout the island remains an
ongoing, indeed generational project, and one which I am confident
the Ireland Funds and the Young Leaders will contribute
significantly in the years to come.


Economic Recovery


Re-building our economy in the wake of the global recession and
turbulence in the eurozone remains the Government’s number our
priority.


Many here today have played a very constructive role in these
efforts and I would to thank you for your continued support.


The government is tackling economic renewal on three fronts:


&#183; correcting the public
finances;


&#183; repairing the banking system;
and


&#183; improving competitiveness.


Correcting the public finances is at the heart of our budgetary
policy and the latest exchequer figures show that tax returns are
on target. Our fiscal strategy has met with the approval of
the European Commission, the European Central Bank, the OECD and
the IMF. We face another difficult budget in December but we
will return to growth during the course of this year. Indeed,
some commentators believe the economy has already begun to grow
again and the European Commission and the OECD are projecting GDP
growth for Ireland next year of 3%.


Repairing the banks involves re-capitalisation, financial
regulation and, of course, NAMA, the National Assets Management
Agency. With the appointment of a new Governor of the Central
Bank, a new Financial Regulator, the announcement of new
capitalisation rules and the transfer of the first tranche of loans
to NAMA, no one can deny that we have moved on from the precarious
position the financial sector was in back in 2008. The
Government has welcomed the preliminary reports, published last
week, on the sources of the banking crisis.


Real progress is being made towards increasing our
competitiveness. The country has taken tough, but necessary,
decisions to reduce the public sector wage bill and social welfare
spending.


The economic outlook was probably best expressed – last month – by
the influential New York-based economist, Professor Nouriel
Roubini.


He said he was “more optimistic about Ireland” because “the country
has been willing to do fiscal adjustment in a more credible way.”
“Ireland,” he said, “is a more flexible economy, more
dynamic, more entrepreneurial” and the “loss of competitiveness was
less than” other European countries.


Improving competitiveness is, of course, key to sustainable
employment. Competitiveness alone will not be sufficient,
though, unless it is linked to increased productivity. We
have identified innovation as the key driver for productivity and
generous tax arrangements for research and development and for
intellectual property were introduced in recent budgets with that
in mind.


The factors which facilitated our economic success in recent years
still remain in place. We have the right demographics with a
young, highly educated, flexible workforce. Ireland is the
only English-speaking country in the eurozone with barrier-free
access to 500 million consumers in Europe.


Our 12&#189;% corporation tax rate remains – and will continue to remain
– at the heart of our strategy to attract foreign direct
investment.


It is also encouraging that despite the global recession, our
exports have held up well and foreign direct investment has
continued.


Given the strong US focus of the people gathered here today, it is
worth noting that US companies here employ 95,000 workers and Irish
companies employ 82,000 Americans. It’s clear, therefore,
that our futures are inextricably linked and perhaps a glance at
the IMD’s 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook will show just how
advantageous it will be to continue to deepen that engagement with
Ireland as we fulfil our ambition to become a global innovation
hub.


According to the IMD Ireland ranks:


&#183; 1st for the
availability of skilled labour;


&#183; 1st for the
availability of financial skills;


&#183; 1st for real
corporate taxes;


&#183; 3rd for
flexibility and adaptability of the people;


&#183; 3rd for being open
to new ideas; and


&#183; 4th for labour
productivity.


I mentioned at the outset that a theme to emerge at the Farmleigh
Forum was the need for greater engagement with the next generation
of global Irish leaders.


You will forgive me, though, if I leave you with the words of an
older leader, Abraham Lincoln.


As you are all well aware, Lincoln faced many challenges during his
political life but had a characteristically straightforward
prescription for dealing with them:


“If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending,
we could then better judge what to do and how to do it.”


He recognised the value of having a clearly defined plan and
so do we. Our message is clear: we have a plan and the plan
is working.


I am confident that together, the Irish at home and abroad, will
successfully work to overcome our present challenges and deliver a
future rich with opportunity- a future that generations of Irish
emigrants would be proud.





Thank You.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:48:09 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83580</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin deplores attempted bomb attack in Aughnacloy


Deploring last night’s attempted bomb attack on the police station
in Aughnacloy, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin
T.D., said:


“This was a reckless and cowardly act whose only impact was to put
at grave risk the safety of the people of Aughnacloy. Anyone
with any information on the attack should bring it to the Garda&#237; or
the PSNI.


Last night’s attempted bomb attack has no justification or excuse,
no mandate and no legitimacy. The gangs which carry out such
violence and criminality should cease their activity and disband
immediately.


The clearly expressed will of the people of this island, north and
south, is that there should be peace, stability and
reconciliation. Those elected by the people of Ireland to
represent them will not allow a small unrepresentative minority to
distract them from the course set by the people. ”


Ends







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:40:55 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[“Today a great wrong has been corrected” says Minister Micheál Martin]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83577</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



“Today a great wrong has been corrected” says Minister Miche&#225;l
Martin





Speaking following the publication of the Saville report, Minister
Martin said:





“Our thoughts today are with the people of Derry, the family,
friends and relatives of those killed and those injured.
Their perseverance, determination and dedication in the search for
the truth has been rewarded today with the clear and unequivocal
conclusions of the Saville Inquiry that what happened in Derry on
30 January 1972 was both unjustified and unjustifiable.





Today, a great wrong has been corrected and the families have
rightly proclaimed the innocence of their loved ones.
While we will need to examine the full detail of the report, its
principal findings and today’s statement from Prime Minister
Cameron, including a clearly stated apology, together underline
that we have all turned an important page.





Now, like the people of Derry, all of us of this island must
continue our collective effort to build a shared and better
future.”





ENDS+++


15 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:12:20 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83576</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement by
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., regarding
the outcome of the investigations into the fraudulent use of Irish
passports in the assassination of Mr. Mahmoud al Mabhouh





This morning, I briefed the Government on the outcome of the
investigations conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs’
Passport Service and by An Garda S&#237;och&#225;na into the fraudulent use
of Irish passports by persons suspected of involvement in the
assassination of Mr. Mahmoud al Mabhouh in Dubai on 19 January
last. You will be aware that these two investigations were
initiated as soon as the Government first received official
confirmation, following the press conference given by the Dubai
Chief of Police on 15 February, that Irish passports, along with
those of a number of other countries, had been fraudulently used by
those responsible for the murder of Mr. Mabhouh.





I want to express my appreciation to both the Passport Service and
to An Garda S&#237;och&#225;na for their investigations, which have drawn on
all available information, including that provided to us by the UAE
Government and by the Dubai police through our Embassy in Abu
Dhabi. The Garda investigation has also benefitted from the close
cooperation extended by the British police as well as from other
police services through Interpol.





I am making available a summary of the investigation carried out by
the Passport Service which necessarily excludes details which might
be useful to persons interested in forging Irish passports.





The investigation by the Passport Service Office has confirmed that
the eight Irish passports used by suspects in the murder of Mahmoud
al Mabhouh were forgeries. In contrast to the UK
and Australian cases, which involved identity theft in relation to
nationals of both countries, those responsible for the forgery of
the Irish passports sought to replicate potential valid Irish
passport information, with six of the eight fake passports using
the numbers of existing Irish passport holders, while the two
remaining passports used numbers conforming to Irish passport
number format, although valid passports carrying these numbers were
never actually issued.





As I have stated from the outset, my priority throughout this
affair has been to ensure the security of the innocent Irish
citizens affected and to protect the integrity of the Irish
passport. Senior officials from the Passport Office and
members of the Garda investigating team have met with all of the
citizens, or their legal guardian in the case of minors, who hold
or have held passports with the numbers provided by the Dubai
authorities. All the citizens concerned have been issued with
new passports free of charge. This will, I am
satisfied, enable these citizens to travel free from any suspicion
relating the misuse of a forged passport carrying the same number
as their own legitimate passport.





Turning to the central question of who was responsible for
producing these forgeries, the balance of evidence uncovered in
both investigations as well as the level of sophistication required
in the manufacture of these forged passports clearly points to the
involvement of a foreign state agency or a very well resourced
criminal organisation with access to details of significant numbers
of Irish passports.





The UK investigation into the use of its passports in the same
incident reached the conclusion, as the then Foreign Secretary,
David Miliband, informed the House of Commons last March, that the
forgeries were most likely the work of a state intelligence service
and that there were compelling reasons to believe that Israel was
responsible for the misuse of British passports. A
similar view was arrived at by the Australian authorities in their
investigation, which concluded recently with the judgment that
Israel had been clearly identified as responsible for the abuse and
counterfeiting of Australian passports. The Government has,
of course, maintained very close contact and cooperation with the
Governments of all those countries whose passports were
fraudulently used in this affair and we were informed in advance by
both the UK and Australia regarding the results of their
investigations.





While our own investigations have discovered no additional evidence
linking the Irish passports to Israel, the fact that the forged
Irish passports were used by members of the same group who carried
the forged British and Australian passports, leads us to the
inescapable conclusion that an Israeli government agency was
responsible for the misuse and, most likely, the manufacture of the
forged Irish passports associated with the murder of Mr. Mabhouh.





I would recall that, I had a meeting on this subject with Israeli
Foreign Minister Lieberman last March at which I asked that he
provide me with any information which he felt might help the
Government in its investigation. Similar messages were
conveyed through official channels. I have to report that
efforts to enlist the assistance of the Israeli authorities in the
investigation of this case have yielded no response and no denial
of Israeli involvement.





The misuse of Irish passports by a State with, with which Ireland
enjoys friendly, if sometimes frank, bilateral relations is clearly
unacceptable and requires a firm response.





Accordingly, I have proposed, and the Government has agreed at
today’s Cabinet meeting, that by way of protest at its unacceptable
action, Israel be requested to withdraw a designated member of
staff of its Embassy in Dublin. This demand has been conveyed
to the Israeli Ambassador and I would expect it to be quickly
acceded to.





In accordance with normal diplomatic practice, I do not propose to
reveal either the name or function of the official whom the Israeli
Government has been requested to withdraw. I want to
state clearly that the official concerned is not accused or
suspected of any particular wrongdoing. In being
obliged to leave their post prematurely, the official concerned is
a victim of the actions of the State they represent.





The Government has invested heavily in making the Irish passport
the respected document which it is internationally and in improving
the security of our system so that Irish citizens can travel in
safety. Any actions which endanger our well earned reputation
in this area require determined action to ensure there is no
repetition. I believe that, by taking decisive action in this
regard, the Government is conveying a clear message of protest at
what has occurred and our firm expectation that it will not happen
again.





I would also wish to put on record that the Government condemns the
murder of Mahmoud al Mabhouh. Many allegations have been made
against Mr. Mabhouh which, if true, would categorise him as a
committed terrorist. The Irish Government does not
believe that States should fight terror with terror. As a
matter of principle, Ireland opposes extra-judicial killings.
We believe that States have a duty to operate according to the law
and to respect that way of life that terrorists seek to
destroy.





I very much want Ireland and Israel to enjoy productive bilateral
relations. Even more, I want to see Israeli’s living in peace
and prosperity in a State recognised by its
neighbours. However, the Government and the vast
majority of the Irish people disagree with certain policies pursued
by the Israeli Government, particularly in its relations with the
occupied Palestinian territories, and I will not hesitate to
express criticism of such policies where I believe this is
warranted and where the policies in question, such as the current
blockade of Gaza, are inimical to the achievement of a viable
two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a
comprehensive overall settlement in the Middle East.





We will continue our dialogue and cooperation with a view to
advancing these fundamental political objectives. Our
Ambassadors and our Embassies play a vital role in this dialogue
and provide a channel through which to express and manage our
differences and to search for agreement. That is why I
reject calls to respond to differences by closing down our missions
or removing our Ambassadors.





The Irish Government wants a relationship with Israel which is
characterised by mutual trust and respect. However, our
investigations into the misuse of Irish passports have reached
conclusions about the conduct of the Israeli authorities which are
profoundly disturbing and which are seriously detrimental to the
kind of relationship we would like to have with Israel.
I hope that, by the action which I have announced today, both
countries will eventually be able to move past this incident and
that such unfriendly actions damaging to overall relations are not
repeated.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:05:03 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin to attend EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83574</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



Minister Martin to attend EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting





The Minister will attend the monthly meeting of European Union
Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, which will provide a
valuable opportunity for an exchange of views on various issues
high on the EU’s policy agenda.





The key issue on the foreign policy side is Gaza and the Middle
East Peace Process, in the aftermath of the Israeli seizure of the
humanitarian flotilla. This issue has been added to the
agenda at the request of the Minister. He and his
colleagues will discuss the circumstances which led to nine deaths
on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, as well the broader issue
of the blockade of Gaza itself. The Minister will stress the
need for a credible, transparent international investigation of
last week’s events, and re-emphasise the urgent need for Israel to
lift the blockade to ease the humanitarian suffering of the people
of Gaza.





Following the adoption of a new UN Resolution imposing further
sanctions on Iran, Ministers will also discuss the issue of
separate, autonomous EU sanctions, as well as the human rights
situation in Iran. Ministers will receive an update on Serbia’s
cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former
Yugoslavia from its Chief Prosecutor, Serge Brammertz; and will
again have an exchange on how to address on a sustainable basis the
challenges posed by Somali piracy.





The General Affairs Council will prepare the 17 June meeting of the
European Council, which has an agenda covering the new European
strategy for jobs and growth, the G20 Toronto Summit, the
Millennium Development Goals and Climate Change. The General
Affairs Council will also discuss the draft Regulation on the
European Citizens’ Initiative and the Icelandic application to join
the EU.





The Foreign Affairs Council will open with a session on development
cooperation issues, to be attended by Minister of State Power. This
session will focus in particular on preparations for the High Level
Meeting in New York in September to review progress on the
Millennium Development Goals.





ENDS+++


11 June 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:20:36 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83566</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement by Minister Martin on the Rachel Corrie





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D. has
issued the following statement:





“The Government has made clear that it believes that the Rachel
Corrie should be allowed to proceed to Gaza and to unload its
humanitarian cargo. Those on board the Rachel Corrie
have indicated that they are ready to accept inspection of their
cargo at sea, prior to docking in Gaza. However, the Israeli
government has stated that it is not willing to allow any breach of
their naval blockade of Gaza.





As the Rachel Corrie continues to approach Gaza, the Government’s
primary concern is the safety of Irish citizens and others on
board. We are also conscious of the urgent need to address
the humanitarian concerns of the people of Gaza, the desirability
of reducing international tensions following the violent storming
of humanitarian supply vessels by Israeli commandos earlier this
week, and the obligation of States to respect the right to peaceful
protest.





Acting on these considerations, I sought through various contacts
to secure an agreement which would ensure the safety of those on
board the Rachel Corrie, allow them to make their protest, and
provide for the delivery to Gaza of the Rachel Corrie’s full cargo.





On Friday morning, an understanding was reached with the Israeli
government whereby the Rachel Corrie would have approached the
Israeli exclusion zone before accepting diversion to the Israeli
port of Ashdod. At Ashdod, the cargo would have been
unloaded and inspected under the supervision of UN and officials
from the Irish Aid Division of my Department. The entire
cargo, including what is understood to be 550 tonnes of cement,
would then have been transported to Gaza. Two persons from
the Rachel Corrie would have been permitted to accompany the cargo
to the Israeli border crossing into Gaza at Erez.





In my view, such an arrangement would have offered a useful
precedent for future humanitarian shipments, pending the complete
lifting of the blockade.





This proposal was put to those on board the Rachel Corrie who, on
Friday afternoon, after careful consideration and having thanked
the Government for its efforts, declined to accept it. I
fully respect their right to do so and to continue their protest
action by seeking to sail to Gaza.





If, as is their stated intention, the Israeli government intercepts
the Rachel Corrie, the Government demands that it demonstrate every
restraint. Those on board the Rachel Corrie have made clear
their peaceful intentions and have stated that they will offer no
resistance to Israeli forces. Based on these assurances,
there can be no justification for the use of force against any
person on board the Rachel Corrie.





The Government also urges the Israeli Government to ensure the
transfer to Gaza of the entire cargo of the Rachel Corrie,
including cement which is urgently needed for the reconstruction of
Gaza. The Government continues to call on Israel to
lift its blockade of Gaza. Pending that, Israel should
immediately facilitate the import into Gaza of all goods, other
than weapons.”





ENDS


04 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:29:23 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83565</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
$500,000 contribution by Ireland
implementing


the Convention on Cluster Munitions


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin
T.D., and the Minister of State for Development Cooperation, Mr
Peter Power T.D., today announced a contribution of $500,000 to
support the first Meeting of States Parties of the Convention on
Cluster Munitions (CCM) in Vientiane in November 2010 and to fund
unexploded ordnance (UXO) activities in the Lao People’s Democratic
Republic. The CCM, which was adopted at the Dublin Diplomatic
Conference two years ago, will enter into force on 1 August next.


This contribution is a further demonstration of Ireland’s
commitment to the Convention to eradicating this appalling weapon.
The first Meeting of States Parties will promote work under the
Convention on areas including victim assistance, clearance and
stockpile destruction. It will give a boost to efforts to
universalise the Convention, as many countries in the process of
ratification will be present as observers. The meeting will also
see a continuation of the partnership with civil society which
played a vital role in the establishment of the Convention.


Ireland is supporting preparations for the first Meeting of States
Parties in a number of other ways and continues to promote the
universalisation of the Convention. Ireland will be
represented at senior level at a global preparatory meeting in
Chile next week and has already seconded one staff member to the
support unit in Vientiane. Ireland played a pivotal role in the
agreement of the Convention in Dublin two years ago and will
continue to provide political and financial support to this
important initiative.


The Ministers urge those countries not already party to the
Convention to join efforts to ban cluster munitions and to send
representatives to observe the first Meeting of States Parties.


Lao PDR is the most bombed country in the world, with most
un-exploded ordinance found being cluster munitions. Since 2006
Irish Aid has provided €4.12 million for the clearance of landmines
and other explosive devices there, mainly through the national
de-mining body. This commitment will enable us build on our current
efforts to help the Lao PDR deal with its explosive remnants of war
problem.


Note for the Editor


&#183; The UNDP
administered Lao PDR Cluster Munitions Trust Fund willsupport
the holding of the first Meeting of States Parties of the CCM in
Vientiane from 9-12 November. It will also fund UXO activities in
Lao PDR includingstockpile destruction; survey operations;
needs assessment and prioritisation; protection of civilian
populations; clearance and destruction of cluster munitions; risk
reduction education; survivor/victim assistance; and coordination
of international cooperation.


&#183; A cluster
munition is a conventional munition that is designed to disperse or
release explosive submunitions, each weighing less than 20
kilograms. Many such submunitions fail to go off, causing
continuing casualties long after conflicts have ended. Cluster
Munitions have been used since World War II, most extensively in
Lao PDR and Cambodia during the 1960s but also more recently in
such countries as Lebanon and Iraq.


&#183; The heart of the
Convention is an immediate and unconditional ban on the use,
development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention or
transfer of all cluster munitions which cause unacceptable harm to
civilians. Currently 106 countries have signed and 36
countries have ratified the Convention.


ENDS


PRESS OFFICE


4 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:35:57 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Irish Aid and Health Service Executive  Agree to Cooperate on Improving Health in the Developing World]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83561</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



IRISH AID AND HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE AGREE TO COOPERATE ON
IMPROVING HEALTH IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD





Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D.,
and Health Service Executive CEO, Professor Brendan Drumm, today
signed an agreement to improve the health of communities in the
developing world by increasing cooperation between the two
organisations.





The Memorandum of Understanding commits both organisations to
strengthening Ireland’s overall contribution to health in the
developing world by sharing expertise and promoting international
best practice in support to developing countries.





The agreement builds on existing links between the two
organisations, which have involved the HSE providing expertise and
technical advice to Irish Aid on health policy and proposals while
Irish Aid has provided funding to Irish health institutions which
are working with their counterparts in the developing world.





Speaking at the signing today, Minister of State for Overseas
Development, Peter Power said:





“Irish Aid is committed to improving the health of the world’s
poorest people and ending the tragedy whereby millions of mothers
and young children die needlessly every year. We support health
programmes in countries including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi and
Mozambique and are strongly committed to tackling the scourge of
HIV and AIDS.





“The agreement signed today will allow some of Ireland’s most
committed and experienced health practitioners to assist Irish Aid
in addressing the many challenges facing communities in the
developing world. Being able to call on their expertise - as
appropriate and needed - will greatly enhance Ireland’s overall
contribution to improving the health of the world’s most vulnerable
communities.





“Almost nine million children in the developing world lose their
life each year, mainly due to preventable illness. More than
400,000 women die each year during childbirth. This is clearly
unacceptably high and will remain so unless we urgently increase
access to safe maternal services.





“I am delighted that the HSE will make some of their experts
available to Irish Aid as requested by us to assist us in tackling
these challenges. Meanwhile, Irish Aid will assist the HSE by
promoting best international practice in the HSE’s initiatives to
support developing countries. I have no doubt that our combined
efforts will be greater than the sum of their parts. ”





HSE chief executive, Professor Brendan Drumm said:
“Ireland’s commitment to people in developing countries is
well-regarded around the world. Many of our health professionals
have in fact worked in developing countries. They have made
valuable contributions and have been enriched professionally and
personally by the experience. This latest development enables
us to build on this work by assisting Irish Aid directly and
facilitating staff to work in aid projects.”





Notes to the editor





&#183; Irish Aid is the
Government’s programme for overseas development. It is a division
of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information see
www.irishaid.gov.ie.


&#183; For information
on Irish Aid, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, Press Officer,
Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs, on 01 4082653 or
Fionnuala.quinlan@dfa.ie





&#183; For information
on the HSE, contact Mary Gleeson, HSE on 01 6352836, e: mary.gleeson1@hse.ie





The MoU signed today sets out key areas for collaboration:


&#183; Contribute
expertise to Irish Aid.


Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development,
will identify priority areas in health policy and programmes. The
HSE will provide suitable health experts to assist Irish Aid in
these areas as requested and subject to capacity.





&#183; Strengthen the
HSE’s existing links with developing countries.


Irish Aid will provide advice and relevant development policies and
guidelines to the HSE in order to promote best development practice
and enable the HSE to further develop the organisation’s role in
assisting in global health improvements.





&#183; Facilitate staff
to volunteer for overseas work.


HSE staff may undertake short or long-term assignments overseas
through established HR mechanisms. Health personnel will be
facilitated to contribute in humanitarian emergencies through Irish
Aid’s Rapid Response Corps.





&#183; The MoU builds on
an existing relationship between Irish Aid and the HSE. Experienced
HSE staff have supported Irish Aid in health policy
development, technical advice and project appraisal in the past.
Irish Aid has provided funding to Irish health institutions
partnering with institutions in the developing world. Examples
include: Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (Vietnam) and Cork
University Hospital (Sudan).


ENDS+++


# 3 June, 2010


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:24:34 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs Welcomes the Release of Gaza Flotilla Activists]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83559</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs Welcomes the Release of Gaza
Flotilla Activists


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., has
welcomed the Israeli Government’s decision to release all the
remaining humanitarian activists detained, including six Irish
citizens, following the storming of the Turkish aid ship, the
Mavi Marmara, and the seizure of other vessels forming part
of the Gaza aid flotilla by Israeli forces on Monday.


“I am pleased that, in response to the clear calls made by many in
the international community, including the Irish Government and the
UN Security Council, Israel has now decided to release immediately
all those still in detention after being seized in international
waters on Monday morning following the storming of the Gaza convoy.
I look forward to the prompt and safe return of the six Irish
citizens who still remain in Israeli custody.”


“I again repeat my urgent call to the Israeli government to allow
safe passage of the Irish owned vessel, the MV Rachel Corrie, which
is still sailing towards Gaza to deliver its consignment of
humanitarian aid. It is imperative that there should be no further
confrontation or bloodshed arising from what has been all along a
purely humanitarian mission by those involved in the Gaza flotilla.
The Government will be maintaining close contact with the Israeli
government on this issue in the coming days.”


Ends+++


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:24:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83558</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
D&#225;il Motion on the Interception of the Gaza Humanitarian
Flotilla


Opening address by the Minister for Foreign Affairs


The Government shares the widespread shock and horror at the
outcome of the Israeli military storming of the Free Gaza movement
flotilla yesterday, which has resulted in the death of a reported
ten people and the injury of many more. I share the sense of
outrage that what was intended as a humanitarian act – and was
itself a response to unacceptable policies on the part of Israel –
should have ended up this way.


May I begin by expressing our condolences to the families of those
who have been killed, and our best wishes to all those who have
been injured.


In the early hours of yesterday morning Israeli naval vessels
intercepted the Free Gaza flotilla in international waters between
Cyprus and Israel, and informed the six vessels in the convoy that
they would not be allowed to proceed further towards Gaza, and
ordered them to proceed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The exact
details of what followed have yet to emerge, not least because only
the Israeli account has really been heard. Following the boarding
by Israeli commandos of the largest vessel, the Turkish MV Mavi
Marmara, firing by the commandos resulted in ten persons
on board the boat being killed, and a larger number wounded. Exact
numbers are as yet uncertain, but most reports now refer to at
least 10 dead. The vessels arrived in Ashdod yesterday afternoon,
and the injured were taken to various Israeli hospitals. I again
express my condemnation of the excessive physical force methods
used by the Israeli military in dealing with this situation which I
believe cannot be justified.


The House will wish to be updated on the position with relation to
Irish citizens, which is our first concern in the immediate
circumstances. The vessel owned by the Irish Free Gaza movement,
the MV Rachel Corrie, which sailed from Dundalk in mid May,
and on which a number of Irish citizens were embarked, had not yet
reached the Eastern Mediterranean and was not part of yesterday’s
flotilla. The Rachel Corrie is still at sea, and understood
to be continuing towards Gaza.


Four Irish citizens were known to be on the Challenger I,
which was intercepted and taken into Ashdod. Three Irish citizens
were aboard another vessel, and one further citizen, a dual
national, was reported as having possibly joined the flotilla among
the large Turkish contingent, but this has not been confirmed and
may not be correct. Of the seven confirmed Irish involved, two were
taken to Ben Gurion Airport, having signed declarations agreeing to
immediate deportation, and are awaiting deportation today. They
were visited this morning by Ambassador O’Reilly, and their
families have been informed.


The other five were being processed for detention prior to later
deportation, and were taken to a detention centre in Beersheva, as
part of some 600 or more persons detained on the ships. As I came
to the House, I received a report that the Irish Embassy had
managed make a consular visit to these citizens, and my Department
is now passing this information on to their families. I will
receive a fuller report later.


There was an early report on one Israeli TV channel that the
injured included one Irish person, and this was later repeated by
various media - some Deputies may have seen this. We do not have
any information to confirm this, and enquiries by the Embassy with
the hospitals treating the injured have been negative. So we do not
have any reason to believe that there is an Irish person among the
injured.


On receipt of the emerging news of the tragic events of yesterday
morning, I made a statement condemning what happened and I summoned
the Israeli Ambassador to a meeting at my Department yesterday
evening. When I met the Ambassador I conveyed a number of very
important points to him, which he has conveyed to his Government.


Firstly, the Irish Government’s condemnation of the use of military
force in this fashion against the flotilla, which was unacceptable,
and which had led to this tragedy.


It will be some time before we have a clearer picture of what
happened. I have made the strong point to the Ambassador – very
similar to what I said at the time of the assault on Gaza in
January 2009 – that when you use excessive military force among
civilians you cannot expect to control all the outcomes, and you
must accept responsibility for the results of your actions. Who now
could possibly argue that preventing this cargo from reaching Gaza
was so important that an outcome such as this could be thought to
be reasonable force?


I further made clear that all of the Irish citizens involved should
be immediately and unconditionally released. At that time, I was
also angry at reports that full consular access was not being
allowed to our Embassy, as provided for under the Vienna
Convention, and I demanded such access immediately for those
citizens in detention. As I reported earlier, the Embassy has now
seen all those we are aware of, and will maintain contact until
they are released.


I made clear to the Ambassador my strong view that these citizens
were constrained to enter Israel, which was not their intention,
and that therefore questions of illegal entry should not arise. I
understand that under Israeli law a person cannot be deported
without a three day period in which to appeal, and that in order to
leave immediately they have to sign a waiver of this right to
appeal. This may be a necessary technicality, but there should be
no question of having to admit guilt of illegal entry. Irish
citizens were effectively seized by the Israeli forces and
forcefully brought into Israel against their will.


I took issue with the description by the Deputy Foreign Minister of
Israel of the flotilla as “an armada of hate and violence”. We know
the Irish activists involved to be sincere, committed people, with
deep humanitarian convictions and concerns, who were committed to
breaking the blockade of Gaza but in a peaceful, non-violent way.
Some members of the Oireachtas had been with them and intended to
join the flotilla. It is compounding one injustice with another to
try and brand such people as somehow terrorist fellow-travellers.


Deputies will be aware from my earlier remarks that uppermost in my
thoughts now is the progress of the ship that sailed from Ireland,
the Rachel Corrie, on which a number of Irish citizens are
continuing towards Gaza. It is thought that she might be
approaching Gazan waters in the next day or two. I asked Ambassador
Evrony to convey to his Government my request that, following the
tragedy which has occurred, the Rachel Corrie be allowed to
continue unimpeded, and to deliver its cargo to Gaza. I have just
spoke in the past hour with the former UN senior official, Denis
Halliday, who is one of the Irish citizens aboard the Rachel
Corrie. We will be watching this situation very closely – as
indeed will the world – and it is imperative that Israel avoid any
action which leads to further bloodshed.


I have focussed on the situation of Irish citizens, and on the
immediate events, but I am also deeply conscious of the wider
context. Indeed I find that issues I have been raising since the
Gaza war last year have come to the fore again. Israel must be
brought to understand that military force is genuinely a last
resort, not to be resorted to if any other method is available. It
has been said in Israel that “when you have a hammer, every problem
tends to look like a nail”. Israel has a right to exist and
to defend itself, which we would all accept, but that right does
not override and supercede all other rights, and the rights of all
others. As we saw in Gaza itself, so now we see in relation to an
effort to help Gaza – when you resort to powerful use of force,
especially among civilians, terrible disasters such as this are not
unexpected or unforeseeable: they are highly likely, sooner or
later, usually sooner.


I return also to a central issue I have been stressing in
international dialogue, which is that the continuing blockade of
Gaza simply cannot be accepted as part of the status quo, and
allowed to continue indefinitely. Public opinion in Ireland and
elsewhere has shown that it will not accept this collective
punishment of innocent people, and will act to challenge it.


I know myself from my visit to Gaza earlier this week that what
exists in Gaza is a dire and indisputable humanitarian crisis, with
most of the population living in inhumane and intolerable
conditions and with increasing incidence of what the UN
euphemistically calls absolute poverty. The current situation
amounts to collective punishment of the population of Gaza and, as
the EU acknowledged yesterday, is completely counter-productive. As
long as the siege of Gaza continues, it will inflict further
injustice on the people who live there, without in my view
contributing at all to the security of Israel.


We are still gathering the basic facts of what has happened, and
there is much more I could say, especially on the broader context.
I will be following events closely, and considering what further
action we need to take nationally or at EU or UN level. Debates are
going on as we speak both in Brussels and in the Human Rights
Council in Geneva, and the Security Council in New York has already
called in a Presidential Statement for an “impartial, credible and
transparent investigation, conforming to international standards”,
of what has happened – a call which I fully support and echo.


Finally, I reported to the House last week that I would soon be
deciding what action to take in the issue of the use of forged
Irish passports in the assassination of Mr. Mabouh in Dubai. I am
anxious that this important matter be given the attention and focus
it merits, and that it not become mixed up with the events we are
now discussing. It remains my intention to very shortly propose to
the Government the action I believe appropriate in this case.
Thank You
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:16:12 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83556</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs Briefs Government on Flotilla
Crisis


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., today
briefed the Government on yesterday’s events involving the storming
of a Turkish vessel by the Israeli military which resulted in at
least nine dead and the detention in international waters of other
vessels in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza.


The Minister proposed that the Government should:


- Condemn the
actions by the Israeli military as completely unacceptable and
disproportionate and stemming directly from the illegal Israeli
blockade of Gaza which the Minister and Government has repeatedly
urged should be ended;


- Call for a
full, independent and international enquiry into yesterday’s
events, preferably under UN auspices;


- Call for
the immediate and unconditional release of all the Irish citizens
detained by Israel and for the Israeli Government to respect its
international obligations under the Vienna Convention and ensure
full consular access by Irish Embassy officials to those detained;


- Call upon
the Israeli Government to allow the Irish owned vessel, the MV
Rachel Corrie, to complete its humanitarian voyage to Gaza
peacefully and without any attempt to impede its journey and to be
allowed discharge its humanitarian cargo in Gaza upon arrival;


- Express its
deep condolences to the Turkish Government and to the families of
all those killed in yesterday’s events as well as to those injured.


The Government agreed fully with these points. It also agreed that
the Minister for Foreign Affairs should continue to liaise closely
with EU colleagues on the current situation and all necessary steps
to achieve a peaceful resolution.


Press Section


Department of Foreign Affairs


1 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:06:40 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83555</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MICHE&#193;L MARTIN, TD
CALLING FOR RELEASE OF IRISH CITIZENS IN ISRAEL





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., has
reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of
the Irish citizens detained following yesterday’s storming of the
humanitarian flotilla sailing to Gaza by Israeli forces.





“I met the Israeli Ambassador last evening and made clear that the
Irish Government expects the immediate and unconditional release of
all the Irish citizens detained. The seven individuals concerned
did not enter Israel illegally; rather they were essentially seized
from international waters, taken into Israel and asked to sign
documents confirming that they entered illegally. This is simply
not acceptable.”





“I would note that the UN Security Council, in a presidential
statement issued earlier today, has called for the immediate
release of all the ships and citizens detained by the Israeli
authorities. Israel needs to listen to and act in accordance with
the united voice of the international community on this issue.”





“I also expressed my dissatisfaction to the Israeli Ambassador
about his government’s failure to allow our Ambassador and Embassy
in Tel Aviv have full consular access to the Irish citizens
detained. This failure to provide such access represents a clear
breach of the Vienna Conventions. I have now been informed that our
Ambassador and officers from the Embassy in Tel Aviv will be
allowed carry out visits to the Irish citizens detained during the
course of the day. I will continue to press for full consular
access being allowed, as is provided for under international law.”





“I will be reporting to the Government later this morning on my
meeting yesterday meeting with the Israeli Ambassador and on the
measures which my Department is taking to secure the immediate and
unconditional release of those Irish citizens detained by Israel.”





ENDS


1 June 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:54:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83554</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes outcome of nuclear
weapons' conference





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D. has welcomed
the outcome of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Conference (NPT RevCon) which ended its month-long session at UN
Headquarters in New York yesterday. More than 170 States
participated in the conference, which takes place every five years.
Its purpose is to review progress on the implementation of the NPT
which is the main international mechanism for controlling the
spread of nuclear weapons. Ireland has a close association with the
Treaty as it was a series of UN resolutions introduced by the then
Minister for External Affairs, Frank Aiken T.D. in the late 1950s
and early 1960s which led to the negotiation of the NPT. Ireland's
pioneering role was recognised when we were invited to be the first
country to sign the Treaty.





Commenting on the Review Conference outcome Minister Martin said:





&quot;I am very pleased that the RevCon has managed to adopt a Final
Document after marathon negotiations in which Ireland played a
central role.





Nuclear disarmament has been a policy priority for successive Irish
Governments of all political persuasions and, while the language
adopted by the Conference on this pillar of the Treaty is less
strong than Ireland and a majority at the conference would have
liked, it nonetheless represents a significant step forward. The
Treaty has faced serious challenges in recent years, including
proliferation threats posed by Iran and North Korea. The RevCon has
responded by strengthening the implementation of the
non-proliferation provisions of the Treaty. It has also agreed on
important new actions to be taken under the third pillar of the
Treaty dealing with the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.





During the Conference, Ireland worked in tandem with its partners
in the New Agenda Coalition to hold the nuclear weapon States to
their Treaty obligations. There have been some indications of
a greater willingness on their part to acknowledge their nuclear
disarmament obligations and be more open about their nuclear
strategies. The UK, for example, gave detailed figures to the
Conference about its nuclear weapon stockpile. The US did so
earlier this month. Ireland will continue to monitor the
undertakings given at the RevCon to make sure that promises made
are kept.





I am particularly pleased that a significant breakthrough has been
made on implementing the resolution calling for the establishment
of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass
destruction in the Middle East. Although this resolution dates from
1995, little progress has been made in its implementation.
Understandably, this has been a cause of immense frustration,
especially - though not only - in the Arab world. Ireland was asked
by the Conference President, Ambassador Libran Cabactulan of the
Philippines, to use its good offices to negotiate a way forward on
this, one of the most politically sensitive issues of the
Conference. Against expectations, we managed to secure the
agreement of all parties involved for a framework leading to full
implementation of the 1995 Resolution. This positive outcome after
years of stalemate is, in part, testament to the high regard in
which Ireland is held internationally, as well as to the
negotiating skills of our team in New York. I would like to
pay particular tribute to Ms Alison Kelly of my Department who
chaired the working group which dealt with this particular aspect
of the negotiations.” 





ENDS


28 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:51:28 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83553</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement by Minister Martin regarding Israeli interception


of the Gaza humanitarian aid convoy


Speaking at an event this morning in Cork, Minister Martin
announced that he is calling in the Israeli Ambassador over the
events surrounding the Israeli interception of the Gaza
humanitarian aid convoy and will be seeking a full account for what
has happened.  He also confirmed that the Irish
Ambassador in Tel Aviv is in contact with the Israeli authorities
to establish the situation of those Irish nationals who were
present on the convoy. The Minister reminded the Israeli
authorities of their consular obligation to ensure the safety and
security of the Irish citizens concerned. Minister Martin stated
that in his view there was no need for any loss of life and what
has happened was a direct result of Israel’s illegal blockade of
Gaza.


ENDS


31 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 10:27:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin announces Global Irish Economic Forum initiatives in Asia]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83550</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin announces


Global Irish Economic Forum initiatives in Asia





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D. has
announced funding of €135,000 towards a new Farmleigh Fellowship
Programme. The programme will provide twenty-five Irish
participants with an opportunity to work in Asia for four months,
and to participate in a joint MSc degree in Asian Business
Management from UCC and Nanyang Business School in
Singapore. The project has been developed by a number
of Singapore-based businesspeople who were present atthe
Global Irish Economic Forum, as aresponse to the emphasis
expressed at Farmleigh on the need for Irish businesses to increase
their knowledge of, access to, and participation in, Asian
marketsIt is expected to commence in October
2010. Work is also ongoing on a separate initiative aimed at
establishing an Overseas Graduate Placement Programme.





Speaking at the firstmeeting of the Asian-based members of
the Global Irish Network at Expo Shanghai, the Minister welcomed
the initiative as a further demonstration ofthe positive
practical impact of last year's Forum.Minister Martin
said that the project &quot;provided an innovative model through which
the next generation ofIrish businesspeople cantake
advantage of the enormous opportunities that exist in Asia. I
am deeply grateful to the members of the Network based in Singapore
for taking forward the work begun at Farmleigh, and demonstrating
how Ireland and its Diaspora can work productively together&quot;.





The Ministeremphasised that &quot;the success of the Global Irish
Economic Forumhas had a transformative impact on Ireland’s
relationship with leading members of the Irish Diaspora.
Extensive efforts have been taken bythe Governmentand
the private sector to advance the various initiatives that emerged
fromits deliberations, and to further enhance the practical
connections between the Irish at home and abroad. The
detailedProgress Reportpublishedpublished in
March contains specific updates in respect of a wide range of
initiatives that have been taken since the Forum in areas as
diverse as innovation; greentech; Diaspora engagement; culture,
financial services; tourism, energy and food. As part of this
follow up process, the Government has also provided funding of $3.4
million for a landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York, and over
$250,000 for the Irish Technology Leadership Group in Silicon
Valley. Significant progress has also been made in the private
sector towards the establishment of the Farmleigh Overseas Graduate
Programme.





Evidence of the significant impact made by the Forum is not
confined to the Progress Report. The broad economic policies
that were advocated by many participants were reflected
significantly in Budget 2010. The Farmleigh follow-up process has
also assisted other work underway across Government, including the
implementation of the Building Ireland’s Smart Economy strategy and
the recommendations of the Innovation Task Force.





The establishment of the new Global Irish Network in February
provides an important mechanism for building on the work begun at
Farmleigh. The Network includes some of the most influential Irish
and Irish-connected individuals abroad and provides Ireland with an
invaluable resource of international expertise from which we can
draw as we work towards our economic recovery. I am convinced that
this direct access to key private-sector decision makers across the
globe has the potential to deliver real, tangible economic benefits
for the Irish at home and abroad.





Today's meeting in Shanghai follows successful
meetingsearlier this year inBritain,
France,Germany and the UAE. Participants at these
meetings have all underlined the galvanising effect the Global
Irish Economic Forum has had onthe leading members of our
Diaspora. They have also stressed that, taken together with the
difficult but necessary corrective steps the Government has taken
to address our financial situation, the Network and the Forum have
helped instil a greater sense of belief and optimism abroad that
Ireland can overcome the current economic challenges. Network
members have also reiterated the importance of Irish culture in the
promotion of Ireland throughout the world. More broadly, I
believe that since the Forum, a new and more widespread acceptance
has emerged throughout the public and private sectors of the
potential that exists within the relationship between Ireland and
its Diaspora&quot;





During his visit to Shanghai, the Minister alsoannounced
funding under the Emigrant Support Programme forIreland-Japan
Chamber of Commerce (c. €12,000); the Irish Network China (c.
€1,100) and Le Ch&#233;ile, Shanghai (c. €5,597).





Note for editors:


Led by Fred Combe and Gerry Creaner, both Farmleigh participants
based in Singapore, the Farmleigh Fellowship Project is their
response to the emphasis expressed at Farmleigh on the need for
Irish businesses to increase their knowledge of, access to and
participation in, Asian markets. Theproject will create a
critical mass of Irish professionals with support from the Irish
Diaspora who will significantly grow and develop a deeper business,
educational and cultural understanding of Asia.





The pilot ‘Farmleigh Fellowship’ project provides 25 Irish
participants with an opportunity to work over a 4 month period in
appropriately selected &quot;Farmleigh Companies&quot; in Asia (primarily
located in Singapore), to prepare an actionable Asian business
strategy for each of their sponsoring companies and to participate
in an MSc degree in Asian Business Management from UCC and Nanyang
Business School in Singapore. The application notes that the entire
process will be guided by and supported from within the local Irish
business community in Singapore which is comprised of over 70 Irish
owned companies - the largest concentration of Irish owned
businesses in Asia, and over 1000 Irish business executives in key
positions across the large multinational presence in Singapore. It
is intended to begin with a ‘pilot’ of 25 participants in October
2010, and to provide a report on the project to the
Departmentin the context of developing the capacity of Irish
business to access the rapidly growing Asian market.





ENDS


27 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2010 09:39:08 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin Welcomes Announcement on Release of Bloody Sunday Report ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83549</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin Welcomes Announcement on Release of Bloody
Sunday Report


Speaking from China where he is on an official trip to strengthen
official and trade links, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l
Martin T.D., welcomed the announcement that the Saville Inquiry
Report into the events of Bloody Sunday is to be published on 15
June.


Minister Martin said:


&quot;The families of those killed and injured on Bloody Sunday
have waited for a very long time for today's news. They have
put their trust in Lord Saville's promise to deal 'fairly,
accurately and thoroughly with the issues'. Soon they will
receive Lord Saville's report. I would like to reiterate the
Government's continuing solidarity with the families and pay
tribute to them for their dedicated commitment to the memory of
their loved ones killed and injured that day.&quot;


ENDS+++


26 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 16:14:43 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83547</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin Welcomes Passport Service
   Mediation


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D.,
today welcomed the offer by Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive of
the Labour Relations Commission, to mediate on issues affecting the
Passport Service.


Minister Martin said:


“I very much hope that it will be possible, with the
assistance of Mr. Mulvey, to reach early agreement with the CPSU
which will enable the Passport Service to return to normal
operation as soon as possible. In particular, I want to
resume quickly the service whereby any person about to travel can
obtain a passport enabling them to do so. I believe this
desire is shared by management and staff in the Passport Service
and by the leadership and membership of the CPSU. On that
basis, I am confident that agreement can be found on the
arrangements and staff levels necessary to achieve this.”


ENDS


26 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 13:01:19 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin to visit China, 23-28 May 2010]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83545</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin to visit China, 23-28 May 2010



The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin, will
visit China from 23 to 28 May 2010 where he will meet in Beijing
with his counterpart, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi and
with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Li Keqiang. 

The Programme will include a visit to the Irish Pavilion at
Expo 2010 in Shanghai and meetings with Shanghai-based business
leaders, as well as Asia-based members of the Global Irish Network.
Academic links with Irish institutions will be reinforced by events
at Fudan University in Shanghai and the Beijing Foreign Studies
University. The Minister will attend the Shanghai International
Arts Festival which features work by Irish artists including two
new plays When I was God and After Luke by Cork playwright C&#243;nal
Creedon.


The Minister will also visit Hong Kong and the cities of
Shenzen and Dalian in support of Irish business interests
there.


The Minister said:


“I am delighted to have the opportunity to help enhance the
significant bilateral relationship between Ireland and China. I
look forward to discussing areas of mutual co-operation with Vice
Premier Li and Foreign Minister Yang and to promoting Irish exports
andmarketing Ireland as a pre-eminent location for
world-class goods and services.”


Ends+++


Press Office


23 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 09:56:02 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83546</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin to Hold High-Level Political Consultations in
China


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., will
today (Wednesday 26th May) meet with senior Chinese
leaders to discuss Ireland-China bilateral relations.


The Minister will meet with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign
Minister Yang Jiechi. These discussions will be followed by a
working lunch hosted by the Foreign Ministry. In the
afternoon the Minister will meet with Chinese Vice-Premier Li
Keqiang in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.


Speaking ahead of the meetings Minister Martin said:


“Last year, Ireland and China celebrated 30 years of diplomatic
relations. Bilateral contacts between the two governments have
developed at a rapid pace to match the growing economic and
cultural links that now exist between our two countries. An
important element in keeping up the momentum has been the
high-level exchanges of visits. China is now the largest
market for Ireland in Asia and I am committed to strengthening this
partnership.”


The meetings will take place on the third day of Minister Martin’s
visit to China, where he is also meeting Irish business leaders in
the Asian State as well as promoting diplomatic, trade and
commercial links between the two countries. This evening the
Minister will travel to Shanghai for the third leg of his visit.



ENDS


25 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 09:41:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83543</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Remarks by Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l
Martin, T. D., at Beijing Foreign Studies University, 25 May
2010


Ireland: its place in the international
community


President Chen, distinguished professors, faculty and students, I
am very honoured by the invitation to address you today. I wish to
thank in particular you, President Chen Yulu, and your colleagues
for this opportunity.


Beijing Foreign Studies University (BAY-WHY) is a prestigious and
influential place of higher education in China and internationally.
I understand that many distinguished graduates of this university
have over the years helped form the backbone of the Chinese
administration and economy. I will be meeting one of Bay-why’s
alumni tomorrow morning, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi for important
and friendly talks on the excellent relationship between Ireland
and China, and other issues of mutual interest. I know also that
the current students follow in the University’s long and
illustrious tradition of service to China and its people.


Irish Studies Centre


Ireland has developed very strong connections with Beijing Foreign
Studies University, including through the close links that our
Embassy has established with the University; visiting scholars in
both directions; and the setting up in 2007 of the Irish Studies
Centre. The establishment of the Irish Studies Centre, which was
part-funded by my Department, the Irish Department of Foreign
Affairs, has been a success. It has held numerous lectures,
including by academic and cultural speakers from Ireland,
conferences and seminars, which have all deepened understanding of
Ireland here on campus. I am particularly pleased that a native of
my own city of Cork is on the staff, Dr Niall Keogh.


The development of a close relationship between NUI Maynooth and
the Irish Studies Centre, through the provision of teachers and two
way exchanges between faculties, is very welcome. I am pleased to
see a representative from their Beijing Office here today. I know
that students who have undertaken Irish studies have successfully
graduated and still take a keen interest in Irish matters. I am
also delighted that there are plans to begin the teaching of the
Irish language this autumn and wish you well with the continuing
expansion of the Centre. I look forward to later visiting the
Centre and meeting with staff and current and former students.


In the four years since I was last in China. I have observed
enormous changes taking place, including in Beijing. Beijing has
become an even more thriving and vibrant city. The Beijing Olympics
of 2008, and the current Shanghai EXPO, which I will visit later in
the week, have opened windows for the world to see even more
clearly the strides made by China in recent years.


Ireland Foreign and Economic Policies


I know that many of you today are familiar with Ireland so I will
not enter into too much detail about our history, political
structure and economic development. I do, however, wish to speak to
you about Ireland’s outward looking economic and political policies
that have been prominent since the late 1950s.


Since Ireland joined the United Nations in 1955, we have always
played an active role in the General Assembly, the Security
Council, and other UN bodies and multilateral organisations. The
Constitution of Ireland affirms Ireland’s strong commitment to the
goal of peace and friendly cooperation amongst nations founded on
international justice. Irish foreign policy has always emphasised
the importance of the rule of international law and norms. We
continue to play a positive role in key areas, such as disarmament,
conflict resolution and poverty reduction. Ireland’s most recent
membership of the UN Security Council in 2001–2002 reinforced our
commitment to working with the wider UN membership for
international peace and security. Ireland’s clear commitment to
these principles is reflected in the continuous participation in UN
peace keeping operations by Irish Defence and Police Forces since
1958 and Ireland’s considerable contributions to UN Funds and
Programmes.


Trade and investment have been key aspects of the development of
the Irish economy. Ireland first fully began to develop a model of
outward looking and trade based growth in the late 1950s. This was
coupled with our first application to join the European Economic
Community in 1958. The dismantling of tariffs, the creation of
incentives for private investment and a strategy of welcoming
foreign investment, were instrumental to the creation of the Irish
model of economic development. Industrial development was
subsequently led by sustained strong growth in exports, a high
level of foreign investment and the diversification of our
industrial base. The introduction of universal second-level
education in the second half of the 1960s and an increasing focus
on the development of the third-level sector was crucial to the
development of a highly educated, highly skilled English speaking
workforce, which was, and is, probably our single most important
asset.


The policies of the previous 15 years prepared Ireland to take full
advantage of the possibilities presented by membership, in 1973, of
the European Economic Community, which has since evolved into the
European Union. Membership opened a market which now numbers some
500 million people, over 100 times larger than the size of the
Irish domestic market, to Irish goods and services.


Ireland as a small state must be nimble in its economic policies.
The Irish economic model has been one of relentlessly developing
our principal assets: our strategically central position between
the continent of Europe and the US; our educated and young work
force; the links that we have created between education, enterprise
and innovation; and a strongly pro-business culture. We have
developed strong records of success in software, in education and
in pharmaceuticals, financial services and food. We are a trading
nation: exports plus imports amount to over 150% of our national
income.


But in the current interconnected world, our outward looking
approach also means that we are particularly affected by the global
financial and trading climate and we have been affected by the
international economic downturn as well as some domestic problems
in the banking area in particular.


Recent economic developments internationally have been very
challenging. But Ireland’s own response to the global economic
crisis has been proactive and resolute. We have tackled vigorously
the imbalance in our public finances, we have introduced
comprehensive reform of our banking sector and we are improving our
competitiveness. We are repositioning ourselves, particularly
through developing our innovation capability, to take full
advantage of the next international economic upturn. There are
already signs of recovery. Industrial production is up. Irish
exports are strengthening and consumer confidence has improved. The
latest indications are that the Irish economy will return to growth
of 3% in 2011, one of the highest levels of growth in the EU
forecast by the European Commission.


Having regained our forward momentum, we should begin to reap the
benefits of our re-positioning. As we continue to build our
knowledge-based economy – what we call the “smart economy” - on a
foundation of high quality research and development, Ireland will
remain the most attractive place in Europe for doing business.


In addition to the economic prosperity that EU membership brought,
it has altered the way in which we related to each other and to the
rest of the world. The impact socially of EU law has been profound
and positive, especially for women in the workplace but also in
making it easier for people to travel, study and work throughout
the European Union. As a member of the EU, Ireland has been better
able to make its voice heard on the international stage. Ireland
has had the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in
1975, 1979, 1984, 1990, 1996 and, most recently, in 2004. When we
sit down with the 26 other Member States to agree important common
policies in areas such as foreign policy, agriculture, consumer
law, energy and trade we build a strong and coherent consensus. The
implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon will streamline that
decision making process and increase the strength and influence of
the European Union internationally. Ireland will be at the heart of
that process.


One key lesson we have learned over the past fifty years or so is
that an internationalist, outward looking and forward thinking
approach is essential, as is the ability to take stock and respond
quickly and innovatively to emerging trends in technological
innovation, structural economic change and international
macroeconomic developments.


Ireland’s commitment to multilateralism remains very strong. We
believe that it is only through such a framework that the global
community can respond rapidly and effectively to current global and
regional challenges.


Ireland /China Relations


Last year, Ireland and China celebrated 30 years of diplomatic
relations. Bilateral relations between Ireland and China have
developed at a rapid pace in recent years and we have witnessed
both a widening and deepening of our ties. We are committed to
keeping up the momentum in the relationship.


One of the most important elements in the enhanced relationship
between China and Ireland has undoubtedly been the high-level
exchanges of visits. In addition to my visit, our President will
visit China next month. We in Ireland have watched China’s economic
progress over the last three decades or so with admiration. A
specific programme – the Irish Government’s “Asia Strategy”, with
China at its heart – has been central to our efforts. Building on
the strong and friendly bilateral relationship, and the commitment
of both Governments to develop that relationship even further, we
can look forward to continued growth of political, commercial,
cultural, human and education initiatives and exchanges between our
two countries. Let me give you some examples of progress.


China is now the largest market for Ireland in Asia. There are
currently some 109 Irish companies with a presence in China. There
were fewer than 45 present in China in 2005.


Education is also a major element in our relationship: the
development of contacts between Chinese Universities, and their
Irish counterparts will enhance cooperation in education to our
mutual benefit. The establishment of Confucius Institutes in Dublin
and Cork will help to cement those ties. The Irish Government
actively promotes Ireland as a destination of educational
excellence, and the number of Chinese university students in
Ireland is second only to those from the US in Ireland, from
outside the European Union. I would also like to see more Irish
students coming to China, including to Bay-why.


Global Irish community


People from Ireland and from China have travelled and worked
throughout the world and frequently achieved extraordinary success
outside their home countries, often playing key roles in the
economic, intellectual and social development of their new places,
but also supporting the development of their native countries. It
is estimated that over 50 million people across the globe can claim
Irish descent.


As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I pay great attention to this
issue. When travelling abroad I see firsthand the remarkable
careers many Irish people, including both Irish born people and
people of Irish descent, have carved out for themselves. Fifteen
Presidents of the United States were of Irish descent.


I greatly admire the way in which the overseas Irish contribute to
their countries of residence, including China. Many of them have
retained a strong sense of their Irish heritage and have
established Irish community associations and organise Irish
sporting and cultural activities. Increasingly, too, people of
Irish descent value their Irish roots, and this has contributed to
a boom in Irish culture, language studies, history, music and dance
in recent years. Riverdance, which is so popular in China, is a
shining example of this. Through the contributions which the
overseas Irish make to the countries in which they have settled and
through their continuing links with Ireland, they act as an
important channel for promoting a positive image of Ireland abroad.
The Irish government has been providing substantial funding to
support Irish community, cultural and heritage projects across the
world.


I took the initiative in September 2009 to organise and host a
Global Irish Economic Forum, in Dublin. At that forum, which was
attended by highly successful and dynamic Irish and Irish-descended
people from around the world. I proposed that a new Global Irish
Network be established to maintain and build upon the support and
expertise of these people.


We, in Ireland are very aware that countries, if they are to
continue to be successful, must constantly re-examine and update
policies and also use all their resources, including human talents,
as effectively as possible. I am pleased that many influential
people, based all over the world, but all with a strong connection
to Ireland have now accepted my invitation to participate in the
Global Irish Network. I will be meeting in Shanghai later this week
with some of the Global Irish Network members who are based in
Asia.


Let me conclude by congratulating the university on its continued
and impressive high standard of courses and research available to
its students. I welcome the fact that the Irish Studies Centre is
thriving. I wish the faculty and students present here today every
success for the future.


Thank you.


ENDS


25 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 13:30:53 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83527</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement by Minister Peter Power on Malawi court
case


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, TD today
made the following statement in relation to the sentencing of Mr
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Mr Steven Monjeza in Malawi:


“I have been following this case very closely through our Embassy
in Malawi, and, along with our EU partners, have regularly
emphasised to the authorities our serious concern about this
case.


“Now that the two men have been sentenced, we are working with our
partners for a strong EU response. On Ireland’s part, as
friends and partners of Malawi, which is one of the priority
countries for our bilateral assistance, I want to emphasise our
very serious concern and disappointment at the severe sentence
imposed on the two men on the basis of their sexual
orientation.


“The sentence is entirely disproportionate and against
international human rights principles. With our EU partners,
we are calling on the Government of Malawi to fulfil its
commitments to the protection of the human rights of all
individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation”.


ENDS


20 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 14:36:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Release]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83526</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Cuba





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin metthe
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, H.E. Bruno Rodriguez Parilla,
in Dublin today. They discussed a range of issues, including
developments in bilateral relations and areas for further
cooperation, particularly in the field of bioscience and
medicine. They also discussed recent developments in Ireland
and in Cuba as well as a range of international issues andhad
an exchange on human rights.





This visit follows the visit by Minister Martin to Cuba in February
2009.





ENDS


Press Section


19 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 15:07:42 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83521</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
AFRICA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN


DUBLIN’S IVEAGH GARDENS


Thousands of people enjoyed a free, family-focused afternoon
in Iveagh Gardens in Dublin today to celebrate Africa Day
2010.


Africa Day Dublin, hosted by Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas
development programme, celebrates the diversity and potential of
Africa and draws on the talents of a dynamic African community in
Ireland.


Visitors to Iveagh Gardens enjoyed live performances by African and
Irish artists, sports and art activities and traditional food from
Malawi, Zimbabwe and Cameroon. African drumming and dancing
workshops, traditional African games, educational activities and
family treasure hunts proved very popular,


The main stage featured a line up of African and Irish performers
including Choice Music prize winner, Jape, Congolese musician Niwel
Tsumbu and Irish musician Dave Flynn; The Amazing Few; the
Discovery Gospel Choir, and the Newpark Afro-Cuban Orchestra.


RT&#201; newsreader Bryan Dobson chaired a dynamic discussion in the
Speakers Tent on ‘How to Build Ireland’s Engagement with Africa’.
Over 80% of Ireland’s overseas development assistance is focused on
the continent. Panellists included Minister of State for Overseas
Development, Peter Power TD, Justin Kilcullen, Director of Tr&#243;caire
and Salome Mbugua, Director of AkiDwA, the African Women’s
Network.


Speaking at the Africa Day event, Minister of State for Overseas
Development, Peter Power TD said:


“Ireland and Africa have never been so close; whether through
increased development cooperation or growing cultural, trade and
community ties. Today’s event is a way of celebrating everything
that is positive about Africa and it also raises awareness of
the challenges faced by much of the continent and Ireland’s
contribution to the response.


“The theme of Africa Day events this year is food and food
security. The fight against hunger is a core priority for
Irish Aid and we can all be proud of Ireland’s international
leadership in this area. Visitors to Iveagh Gardens today had the
opportunity to learn more about Irish Aid’s work in Africa and the
solutions to hunger and other challenges which Ireland is
pioneering in partnership with African Governments and communities.
By working in partnership with African countries and
non-governmental organisations, many of whom I am delighted to see
represented here today, we are helping to build a better future for
millions of people.”


Photographs will be circulated by Maxwells *No reproduction
fee.


Notes for Editors


Africa Day at Iveagh Gardens is the first of two flagship family
events hosted by Irish Aid in 2010. A second large family event
will take place in Limerick on May 30th
and a programme of awareness-raising and educational events will
take place across the country to celebrate Africa Day from 15th to
25th May. Full details of the programme for Africa Day
Celebrations throughout Ireland are available at 
http://africaday.ie/celebrations-throughout-ireland/overview.aspx



Irish Aid is the Government’s programme of overseas development. It
is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further
information, please visit www.irishaid.gov.ie



ENDS


16 May, 2010


For further details or to request an interview with
Minister Peter Power, contact Fionnuala Quinlan, Press Officer,
Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or
087-9099975

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2010 12:04:31 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[CELEBRATE AFRICA DAY 2010 IN DUBLIN’S IVEAGH GARDENS THIS SUNDAY]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83512</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
CELEBRATE AFRICA DAY 2010 IN DUBLIN’S IVEAGH GARDENS THIS
SUNDAY


Irish Aid’s flagship Africa Day celebration will take place in the
Iveagh Gardens, Dublin on Sunday, May 16 from 12 noon – 7pm.
The event is free-of-charge and family-focused, with a special
programme for children which includes family treasure hunts, sports
and art activities.


Africa Day Dublin is hosted by Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas
development programme, and Minister of State for Overseas
Development, Peter Power TD, will address the event from the main
stage at 2.20pm.


Speaking ahead of Africa Day in Iveagh Gardens, Minister Power
said:


“I am delighted that Irish Aid is hosting such a rich and colourful
programme of events to mark Africa Day. This is the fourth year
that Irish Aid is organising Africa Day celebrations to mark our
strong and enduring bond with Africa.


Africa Day offers an opportunity for us all to celebrate the
heritage and identity of the African continent and the African
community in Ireland. Last year over 30,000 people attended Africa
Day events around the country.


Africa Day also offers the public an opportunity to learn more
about the Government’s aid programme and our work in sub-Saharan
Africa. Irish Aid staff will be on hand throughout the day to
discuss Ireland’s development work with members of the public.”


Event highlights will include:


Music


The Main Stage at Africa Day Dublin will feature Congolese musician
Niwel Tsumbu and Irish musician Dave Flynn who have developed a
special Africa Day collaboration; Senegalese kora master and
griot Solo Cissokho; Choice Music Prize winner Jape;
traditional Irish act Fidil; The Amazing Few; the Discovery Gospel
Choir, and the Newpark Afro-Cuban Orchestra.


African Bazaar


In the African Bazaar, visitors to Africa Day Dublin can take a
crash course in Ugandan or Bini dancing; learn some Swahili
phrases; model traditional Kasai costumes from the Democratic
Republic of Congo, or try out a tent used by the Taureg nomads of
Mali. There will also be hair-braiding; traditional Nigerian
masquerade performers; Abyssinian and Afro-Caribbean music; African
board games; delicious food samples from Malawi, Zimbabwe and
Cameroon, and arts and crafts displays from all over Africa.
A ‘Best Dressed’ competition will take place over the course
of the day, with prizes for those dressed in the most colourful
African attire.


Food


This year at AfricaDay Dublin,therewill
beseveral African food vendors offeringa wide variety
of authentic African food and drinks for visitors to purchase.


Education Zone


In the Education Zone, visitors to Africa Day Dublin can learn more
about development issues through participating in fun,
family-friendly activities – try on traditional Mauritanian
clothes; visit the ‘Because I Am A Girl’ photo exhibition; plant a
seed to grow a vegetable commonly eaten in Africa, or take part in
a jigsaw puzzle competition.


Speakers’ Corner


The Speakers’ Corner at Africa Day Dublin will feature a range of
workshops over the course of the day, including an Africa Day Book
Club discussion on the classic novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua
Achebe. Chaired by Se&#225;n Rocks, presenter of the ‘Arena’ arts
programme on RT&#201; Radio 1, panellists will include award-winning
writer Claire Kilroy; Newstalk presenter Orla Barry, acclaimed
author Hugo Hamilton; journalist Roisin Ingle; South African writer
Thabi Madide, and Chinedu Onyejelem, Editor of Metro &#201;ireann.


A discussion on ‘How to Build Ireland’s Engagement with Africa’
will also take place, with input from the Minister of State for
Overseas Development, Peter Power TD. Chaired by RT&#201;
newsreader Bryan Dobson, panellists will include Justin Kilcullen,
Director of Tr&#243;caire; Eric Yao, Coordinator of the Africa Centre;
broadcaster and travel writer Manch&#225;n Magan, and Salome Mbugua,
Director of AkiDwA, the African Women’s Network.


Sports and Play Area


Children visiting Africa Day Dublin can try their hand at
traditional African games, such as Ingoma Bawo, the Malawian
version of an ancient African board game. They can also enter
quizzes and jigsaw puzzle competitions; participate in a drumming
workshop; learn how to make traditional Ugandan toys out of banana
fibres, and take part in African-themed art activities.



Access is through the Clonmel Street (just off Harcourt Street)
entrance to the Iveagh Gardens, and visitors are advised to use
public transport to travel to the venue, as parking will be
severely limited in the area.







Full details of the programme for Africa Day Dublin are available
at http://www.africaday.ie/dublin/overview.aspx.







Irish Aid is the Government’s programme of overseas development. It
is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further
information, please visit www.irishaid.gov.ie






For further details or to request an interview with Minister
Peter Power, contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish
Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or
087-9099975


ENDS+++


Press Office
13 May 2010


Press Office | Department of Foreign Affairs |Dublin |(
tel: (+ 353 1) 408 2275/2550 | ( fax: (+353 1) 478 5942 | :
press.office@dfa.ie










]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 10:29:05 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83511</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



Statement by the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah
Airlines flight 8U771


Iregret to confirm the death of an Irish citizen in
theLibyan air crash today.Afriqiyah Airlines flight
8U771was travellingfrom Johannesburgwhen it went
downon approachto Tripoli International Airport this
morning, Wednesday, 12 May.


Officials from my Departmentlearnedthis
afternoonthat an Irishwomanwas on the
passengerlist for this flight. The Irish Ambassador to Libya
(who is normally based in Rome) is in Tripoli with another consular
official and is in close contact with the authorities in Libya in
relation to the tragic loss of this flight.
Arrangements are being made to inform the family and my
Departmentisready to provide all possible assistance at
this difficult time.


I would ask that members of the media respect the privacy of the
family and friends of thedeceasedin order that they be
given time and space to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.


I would like to extend my sympathies to
allthosefamilies who have suffered a bereavement in
this tragic accident.　


ENDS+++


Press Office
12 May 2010


Press Office | Department of Foreign Affairs |Dublin |(
tel: (+ 353 1) 408 2275/2550 | ( fax: (+353 1) 478 5942 | :
press.office@dfa.ie




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:53:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Seminar on Modern Challenges in Peace Operations]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83510</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha


Department of Foreign Affairs





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476


Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie






CHECK AGAINST
DELIVERY

 

Seminar on Modern Challenges in Peace Operations


Davenport Hotel, Wednesday 12 May 2010


Remarks by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin
T.D.





President Ahtisaari, distinguished guests,


I am delighted to be able to join you today at this important
seminar exploring Modern Challenges in Peace Operations. I would
like to thank everyone present, and particularly those from abroad,
for making the effort to travel to Dublin. My Department and I
appreciate it.


My colleague, the Minister for Defence, Mr Tony Killeen T.D., has
already addressed the subject in some detail this morning so I’ll
be brief.


This joint seminar is a further example of the close cooperation
that exists between Ireland and Finland in all matters
peace-related.


Although the particularities of geography and history have led us
to adopt different approaches to national defence, we share a
common approach to crisis management and peace operations abroad.


We in Ireland have always had a deep commitment to international
military peace operations. A number of factors have helped to
shape this commitment, including our traditional policy of military
neutrality and the values this encompasses, along with the benefits
flowing to us in many parts of the world from the fact that we were
never a colonial power.


With this background, we have been able to engage to great effect
as peace-keepers and peace-builders, and to bring a unique
perspective and vision to the promotion of peace and development
through the United Nations, the European Union and
bilaterally.


In recent years the international community is facing conflict and
crises in fragile states that are of increasing complexity and that
demand, in response, an increasingly sophisticated multidimensional
approach.


Our responsibility can no longer be seen as ending with the
positioning of troops along a ceasefire line. Rather we need to
develop a more ambitious and multi-faceted approach.


We must bring all available instruments to bear in addressing the
root causes of the conflict and, where necessary, developing the
rule of law and building effective institutions. What is
required, in short, is to develop a comprehensive and sustainable
approach to peace, security and development, a topic that I
understand is the subject of discussion by this panel of speakers
this afternoon.


The UN Secretary General Ban, during his visit to Dublin last July,
spoke of how “UN peacekeeping mandates are more complex and
multidimensional than ever before… integrating military, police and
civilian components”. One of the many questions to be answered as
we develop this comprehensive approach is how to balance more
robust peace enforcement operations with the developmental
activities critical to any successful long-term resolution to
crises.


Over the past 50 years the women and men of the Irish Defence
Forces have served more than 60,000 tours of duty. More recently,
in line with the comprehensive approach to crisis management which
I have just mentioned, almost 1,000 members of An Garda S&#237;och&#225;na -
serving in 26 different locations – have offered their expertise on
ambitious UN and EU peace missions.


More recently still, my Department has also started contracting
small numbers of Irish peace experts for human rights and rule of
law work on EU civilian missions in places as far apart as
Afghanistan, Palestine, Georgia and the Balkans.


The Irish people are justly proud of this peace-keepingand
peace-building tradition, and it will continue to be at the heart
of our approach to international relations.


The comprehensive approach to complex crises has been led by the
United Nations, an organisation which continues to be the
indispensable framework for cooperation amongst the international
community and for addressing the great challenges of the day.
Today, the changed international context that followed the end of
the Cold War has enabled regional organisations such as the
European Union to engage more actively in crisis management.
Such action is supportive of, and complementary to, the activities
of the United Nations.


As Secretary General Ban pointed out during that same visit, “when
the UN and regional organisations work together, [they] can achieve
much more than [they] might independently. There is real strength
in burden-sharing”.


Ireland’s participation in over 50 years of peace operations
reflects this changing landscape. While initially we
participated solely with the UN, more recently we have also had
troops serve with UN-mandated missions led by the European Union or
NATO. Whichever missions they support in future, Irish troops,
police and civilian experts will continue to demonstrate the strong
commitment to the promotion of human development, security and
human rights for which our country is known.


I am sure your discussions will be both interesting and fruitful,
and I wish you every success for this seminar.


ENDS+++







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 12:41:38 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, T.D., welcomes efforts to reform and revitalise the Council of Europe]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83509</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





The Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, T.D.,
welcomes efforts to reform and revitalise the Council of Europe and
to reform procedures in the European Court of Human
Rights


Addressing the Council of Europe Ministerial in Strasbourg today,
the Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, T.D., said:


“Europe is at a time of deep economic crisis. However, such
crises can also present us with an opportunity to reform the way we
operate and re-visit how we implement basic principles. This
applies as much to the Council of Europe as to any national
government or multilateral body”.


Minister Roche also said:


“The reform work underway within the Secretariat of the Council of
Europe is mirrored by equally important reform efforts at the
European Court of Human Rights. In particular, the
ratification of Protocol No. 14 will assist in streamlining the
work of the European Court of Human Rights. In February,
Ministers in Interlaken also set in train initiatives for further
changes in how the Court operates.”


Welcoming the specific proposal for the Council of Europe to open
an office in Vienna to liaise with the Organisation for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Minister noted:





“We attach particular significance to this proposed enhanced
co-operation between the Council of Europe and the OSCE. As
Chair of the OSCE in 2012, one of our priorities will be to ensure
an effective working relationship between the OSCE and the Council
of Europe.”


Concluding his statement, the Minister wished the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia a successful six months with its upcoming
chairmanship and said he was confident that it will build on the
significant achievements over the past year.


Note for Editors


The Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche T.D., is attending
today the annual Council of Europe Ministerial in Strasbourg.
Switzerland is the current Chair of the Committee of Ministers and
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will take over at the end
of the session.





Continued reform of the European Court of Human Rights is a high
priority aimed at tackling the backlog of 100,000 cases at the
European Court of Human Rights.





In September 2009, the Council of Europe elected Mr. Thorbjorn
Jagland, former Prime Minister of Norway, to be the organisation’s
new Secretary General. SG Jagland has been energetic on plans
for reforms of the Council of Europe, proposing that it become more
flexible and streamlined.





ENDS+++


Press Section


Department of Foreign Affairs


11 May 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 15:27:47 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., renews partnership with the Clinton Foundation to tackle HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83506</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power,
T.D., renews partnership with the Clinton Foundation to tackle HIV
and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa





Minister of State for Overseas Development Assistance, Mr. Peter
Power T.D, today announced that Ireland is renewing its partnership
with the Clinton Foundation to support efforts to tackle HIV and
AIDS in Mozambique and Lesotho.





Speaking after a meeting with the President of the Clinton
Foundation, Mr. Ira Magaziner, Minister Power said:


“Our partnership with the Clinton Foundation has been recognised
internationally as highly-effective and it is a critical element of
Ireland’s overall response to HIV/AIDS. A recent review confirmed
it is delivering real results. In 2003 there were just over 3,000
people on treatment in Mozambique, a figure which had grown to
170,000 by the end of 2009.


The number of HIV-positive mothers who received treatment to
prevent mother-to-child infection increased nearly a hundred-fold
in Mozambique over the same period.


During a visit to Lesotho in March, I witnessed the excellent
results which are being achieved through this innovative
partnership. I met many of those who are receiving treatment and
counselling for the first time and spoke to them about its
life-changing impact on their families. Previously, these patients
would not have been able to access treatment and would have had
their lives cut tragically short.


I am pleased therefore to announce today that we will renew our
collaboration with the Clinton Foundation. In 2010, Irish Aid will
provide €16 million in funding to tackle HIV and AIDS in Mozambique
and Lesotho in partnership with the Clinton Foundation.”


Irish Aid and the Clinton
Foundation support both countries national plans to tackle the
HIV and AIDS pandemic. The partnership is focused on expanding and
improving testing and counselling, the provision of anti-retroviral
treatment and critical support for national health systems. In
addition, Irish Aid and the Clinton Foundation work together on key
areas such as improving maternal and child health, child nutrition
and strengthening health systems.


Minister Power added:


“These areas were identified as priorities in the Hunger Task Force
report, which Irish Aid is implementing. Our work with the Clinton
Foundation on HIV and AIDS is an important part of that commitment,
as nutrition is key to successful treatment.”


Ireland has made the fight against HIV/AIDS a key element of the
Irish Aid programme, recognising that it is one of the main
challenges to long-term sustainable development. The partnership
with the Clinton Foundation forms an important part of our overall
response to HIV and AIDS. Ireland now spends in excess of 10% of
the total overseas aid budget per year helping developing countries
halt the spread and deal with the impact of this disease and
others.





Note for Editors:



Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas assistance. It
is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For more
information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie


Since 2002, the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative has been
assisting countries in implementing large-scale, integrated care,
treatment and prevention programmes.


A joint review of the impact and effectiveness of this programme
was recently carried out by Irish Aid and the Clinton Foundation.
It highlighted the positive achievements to date and recommended
continuation of the partnership.


This year, on foot of the agreement, €12 million has been allocated
to Mozambique and €4million to Lesotho in support of the national
responses of both countries. The agreement announced today would
extend the programme through 2010.


For further information or to request an interview with Minister
Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid,
the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975



ENDS+++


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


6 May 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 11:01:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[May]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83127</link>
					<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 07:51:54 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D, launches Africa Day 2010 Celebrations]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83501</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D,
launches Africa Day 2010 Celebrations


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D.,
today launched a range of celebrations to mark Africa Day 2010 in
Ireland.


A series of events across the country, commencing with a family day
in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens on Sunday, 16 May, will take place to
mark Africa Day. The celebrations will conclude with a family day
at City Hall in Limerick on Sunday, 30 May.


Africa Day, an initiative of the African Union, falls on 25 May
each year. It celebrates the diversity of the people and
cultures of the continent.  Irish Aid - Ireland’s overseas
aid programme - is supporting events to mark Africa Day, focusing
on the theme of ‘food and food security’.


Announcing this year’s programme for Africa Day in Dublin’s Iveagh
Gardens today, the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr
Peter Power, T.D., said:





“I am delighted to launch such a rich and colourful programme of
events to mark Africa Day in Iveagh Gardens and throughout Ireland.
This is the fourth yearthat Irish Aid isorganising
Africa Day celebrations to mark our strong and enduring ties with
Africa.





Africa Day offers an opportunity for us all to celebrate the
heritage and identity of Africa and the many African people living
in Ireland. Last year over 30,000 people attended Africa Day events
around the country. Africa Day also offers the public an
opportunity to learn more about the Government’s aid programme and
our work in sub-Saharan Africa.





This year, we are focusing in particular on the theme of food and
food security. Ireland has been a leading global advocate in
the fight against hunger since the publication of the report of the
Irish Hunger Task Force in 2008. The eradication of hunger is
a cornerstone of the Irish Aid programme and we are committed to
spending 20% of the overseas development budget to help achieve
this.





We have seen that real progress can be made in tackling the hunger
crisis, if the right policy approaches are followed. Last
year, for instance, the Government of Malawi, with the support of
Irish Aid, provided seeds and fertiliser to over 1.7 million of the
country's poorest farmers. The provision of these vital resources
helped secure an increased harvest for the people of Malawi.”



Africa Day Dublin is the flagship family-day that will
kick-start celebrations on Sunday, 16th
May. The free-to-public event will feature a Main Stage
with music by African and Irish artists; an education zone where
visitors can learn about crops and foods from Africa; a speakers’
corner, which will include a book club discussion; and an African
Bazaar showcasing food, costumes and dance from Africa. A
games area will offer lessons in the African board game, Oware.


In addition to Africa Day @ Iveagh Gardens, there will be Irish
Aid-sponsored events in more than thirty locations throughout the
country. These include visual art and drumming workshops, an
African puppet show, a film festival and public discussions on food
as well as a photographic exhibition and African fashion shows. The
celebrations will conclude with another family day at City Hall
in Limerick on Sunday, 30th May.


For more information on Africa Day, please visit: www.africaday.ie.







Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas assistance. It
is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further
information on Irish Aid, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie







For further information or an interview with Minister Peter
Power, contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid, the
Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975






ENDS+++


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


5 May 2010










]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 11:29:54 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83498</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Tr&#243;caire High Level Roundtable on the MDGs





Five Years to the MDG’s: what can the European Union and Ireland
do to speed up progress?





Keynote address by Minister of State Peter Power TD


Ireland’s contribution to the MDGs and our priorities for the
UN Summit in September





Introduction


I want to thank Tr&#243;caire for your initiative, in cooperation
with the European Commission, to host this high level development
roundtable on the Millennium Development Goals. I greatly
value the opportunity to discuss Ireland’s contribution to the
achievement of the MDGs and my priorities for the Review Summit in
September.


This meeting is very timely. Just yesterday I returned from
Washington and New York where I had a series of meetings with key
players to prepare Ireland for this important event. At
meetings with the US State Department and the heads of Multilateral
Organisations, including the World Bank, I discussed a range of
issues, some of which I would like to address this morning.
Similarly, it is my hope that today’s important event will also
inform the Government’s position at the Summit.


At the outset can I say that since the year 2000, the Millennium
Development Goals have been a powerful force in driving our global
development efforts over the past decade. After two years of global
economic turmoil, and with just five years to go until the target
date for achievement of the Goals, the September Summit is a vital
moment for the international community. It will undoubtedly
represent a test of commitment to the world’s poorest people in the
face of increased hardship in many developing countries,
accentuated by rising population, combined with increased pressure
on all aid budgets across the developing world.


Today, however, let us first reflect for a moment on the moral
power and force of the MDGs. Not only have they provided the
focus for addressing global poverty, hunger and inequality, they
speak to a broad range of people – from politicians to the public –
and they provide key messages on equity, social justice and human
rights which are understandable to ordinary citizens, outside the
Development Community, on whose continuing goodwill our Programme
depends.


As with any review, we should recognise the progress being
made. But it is crucial that we examine openly the uneven
nature of that progress - the great variation among regions, as
well as within population groups.


In my meeting on Wednesday with Helen Clarke, former New Zealand
Prime Minister, and head of the United Nations Development
Programme, she was very clear of the necessity to articulate
clearly to the public how the MDGs have been a success in many
areas and how they can be a powerful catalyst for change for poor
and hungry people; in other words we need to galvanise public
support about many of the good things that have happened arising
directly from the MDGs. I share her assessment.


A number of countries have achieved major successes in combating
extreme poverty and hunger, and in improving school enrolment and
child health. There has been huge progress, especially in
sub-Saharan Africa, in increasing enrolment in primary schools. In
Uganda, one of our partner countries, the number of children in
school increased from 3.1 million in 1996 to 7.6 million in 2003 -
thanks to the investment in Universal Primary Education. That is a
staggering achievement.


That said there are more than 72 million children in the world, of
primary school age, are not at school.


We can be proud of Ireland’s contribution to the global progress on
HIV treatment. With the fall in prices in life saving drugs, today
over


2 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, including many in Lesotho
and Mozambique with Ireland’s support, are on anti-retroviral
therapy, when in 2000 there were practically none. Last month
in the mountains of Lesotho I saw this excellent work at first
hand.


But overall, I regret to say that the uncomfortable reality is the
numbers of people suffering extreme poverty and hunger in our world
continue to increase. And without coordinated additional
efforts, several of the MDGs will be missed in many countries and
regions. Sub-Saharan Africa, the focus of Ireland’s aid programme,
is one of these regions. It must remain at the forefront of our
deliberations as we prepare for the Summit. This week I have
advocated for such a focus to the key player who will shape the
outcome of the summit.


Another uncomfortable reality, which I discussed in my meeting with
Thoraya Obaid, the head of the UN Population Fund, is the
increasing pressure that a growing global population is putting on
meeting our commitments to reduce poverty and hunger. Let’s
be very candid – in many areas we are running just to stand still,
in the face of rapidly rising populations.


Where does Ireland stand on the MDGs?


The MDGs are at the heart of Ireland’s development cooperation
programme. We focus on Least Developed Countries, in particular in
sub-Saharan Africa. We have taken a leadership role on the
global hunger crisis. We focus clearly on the social sectors
– health, education, HIV and AIDS. Our commitment is to the
poorest and to addressing the structural causes of poverty and
vulnerability. These are not just words – any analysis of
where Irish Aid funding goes, and how we work, bears this out.


You are by now all familiar with last year’s OECD DAC peer review
of Ireland’s aid programme. It stated that we have a cutting
edge programme focused on the very poorest countries. Unlike
virtually all of our international partners our aid is untied. We
are recognised for concentrating over 80% of our aid on Africa, and
especially on the poorest people and communities. We also have a
strong reputation for ensuring that our aid is effective, and that
development actors work together more effectively. This is even
more important at a time when both developing and developed
countries struggle to cope with the challenges presented by the
global financial and economic crisis – it is imperative that we
deliver our aid as efficiently and effectively as possible to where
it is most needed. And that we all – Government, NGOs,
multilateral agencies including the European Union – focus more
clearly on the achievement of development results.


I do not cite this praise of Ireland’s focus on the very poorest
countries for any reason other than to underline the credibility of
Ireland’s voice in helping shape the outcome of the Summit in New
York, and the path to 2015. My meetings in New York
especially this week have convinced me of the strength of our voice
relative to our size.


That said I would like to make another important point.
That is, effective development cooperation, which transforms lives,
societies and systems, is about more than aiming for an ODA/GNP
target.


I have become more and more convinced of the need for developing
countries to develop their economies, their productive capacity,
and their international trade to complete the realisation of the
MGDs. It is very interesting to note this week that the World
Bank President, Bob Zellick, said that the global economic recovery
for the rich North is dependent on growth in Africa; that our
economic interdependence is increasing all the time, and that trade
and aid go hand in hand. I share this view. Ireland’s
progress from being the poorest country in the E.E.C is real
analogy. Developing countries need to leverage their economic
competitive advantage. Strong national leadership and ownership
driving good governance is essential for development
progress. Regrettably, that is lacking all too often.


Nonetheless, the global 0.7% of GNP target has been vital in
channelling international resources to development. The
Government is committed to achieving this target. But as I
have said before that will only make a lasting contribution to the
realisation of the MDGs if it is in the context of a strong robust
economy here at home.


We have had to deal with an exceptionally difficult budgetary and
exchequer situation over the past two years. In these times of
unprecedented national crisis and fragility we have had to take
drastic action to restore sustainability to the public finances.
Action which, I should say, some EU countries have yet to take.


Yes, our development budgets have been reduced, and we regret that
this was necessary. But let us remember that Ireland was last
year the world’s 7th most generous donor in per capita
terms. We will again this year be ahead of most of our EU
partners in making progress towards the 2015 target. And we
are committed to resuming the growth of our programme once we get
our public finances right. One depends on the other.


Allow me to be very direct on this point. The governments’
decisions, much criticised, and made with the greatest of
reluctance, were the right ones. Recent events in Europe vindicate
this position. Had those decisions not been made; at best Ireland’s
ability to maintain the aid programme would be compromised. At
worst, like Greece, there may not even be an aid programme, but
rather we would be the ones looking for financial aid.


So where do we stand now?


In my view the Irish people can be proud of what our aid programme
has achieved these past few years. We have invested over €4
billion of public funding in development cooperation since the
Millennium Summit in 2000. The OECD notes that about a
quarter of our assistance has been channelled through NGOs, a
larger proportion than virtually any other international
donor.


The NGO sector is so strong in Ireland because of the Irish
people’s commitment to working to help improve the lives of those
living in more difficult circumstances than ourselves, even at
times of economic hardship at home. This impulse owes much to
the work of generations of missionaries in the past.


Organisations such as Tr&#243;caire, Concern and Goal receive very
significant funding from Irish Aid, because of the impact they are
making internationally in the fight to end poverty and
hunger. As part of our national effort to outline Ireland’s
contribution to progress on the MDGs, I believe we need to work
together more closely to assess the results we are achieving across
all areas of our development effort.


I would invite our NGO partners to document their contribution to
each of the MDGs in advance of September. Strong evidence on
what has worked must be the basis for our decisions on what is
required to achieve the MDGs by 2015.


I am a strong advocate of the results based approach in Irish Aid –
employing modern concepts of results based management with a focus
on demonstrating development outcomes. I would like in New
York to be able to cite our collective national contribution to the
MDGs, to changing the lives of the poorest people in sub-Saharan
Africa.


What will be the role of the European Union in New
York?


Ireland will voice a strong re-commitment to the MDGs at the Summit
in September. However, as the largest single provider of
development assistance worldwide, the EU has a central role in the
effort to accelerate progress on all the MDGs by 2015.


I am working with my Development Ministerial colleagues to prepare
the Union’s position for the Summit. In February, at the first
meeting of the Development Ministers under the Spanish Presidency,
I stressed the importance of a clear and concise EU position for
New York.


I emphasised the need for a strong focus on the MDGs where least
progress has been made, giving particular attention to the
eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. Europe needs to
exert its authority on the Summit.


Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger


I know that there is agreement around this table on the scandal of
world hunger. The first goal is in real trouble. It is
simply unacceptable that there are today over 1 billion people in
the world suffering from hunger, and that this number has risen
since the Government’s Hunger Task Force challenged the world to
meet in New York in September 2008 to give Hunger the absolute
priority it deserves.


And it is unacceptable that there are 92 million more people living
in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa today than there were in
1990. These are not just statistics – they represent individual
human lives dominated by pain, suffering, destitution and
hopelessness.


The Government has taken a lead on the hunger crisis
internationally. I have personally argued strongly - at the
EU, at the UN, in Washington, and in Africa - that if we can
concentrate on a comprehensive approach to this crisis, we can
generate greater progress not only on hunger but on a range of
other MDGs including infant and maternal mortality, gender
equality, HIV and AIDS, and employment and especially education.
The importance of focusing on addressing nutrition, and maternal
and child nutrition in particular, was highlighted as a critical
issue in my meeting this week with UNICEF and one that needs to be
at the heart of our interventions at the Summit. A young child
stunted physically and intellectually due to poor nutrition can
never themselves as individuals, realise the full potential of the
Millennium Development Goals.


Ireland advocates that smallholder agriculture is the essential and
missing link to addressing hunger and income poverty. I will be
pushing for a strong focus not only on meeting the immediate needs
of those most vulnerable but also in supporting investments by
smallholder farmers to increase the resilience of their
livelihoods. Increasing access by smallholder farmers to
markets is a crucial component to increasing their livelihood
security.


In all of this I will be promoting a particular focus on the
vulnerability of women and children to hunger and food
insecurity. We strongly support the L’Aquila objectives in
this respect.


In my meeting with the World Bank Executive Director, Samy Watson,
on Friday last, I advocated for greater World Bank investments in
rural infrastructure and investment in value added food processing.


I believe further investment in research and innovation for better
technologies is urgently needed. Ireland is pleased to be one of
the main donors to the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research – a group that is increasingly making a
substantial contribution to agricultural productivity and natural
resource management. In a world of rapidly increasing
population the future ability to feed an additional 3 billion
people will depend on technology and innovation as much as anything
else.


We are committed to spending 20% of our aid budget on actions to
fight hunger by 2012. We will meet that target, and I am
determined that it will inform funding and programming decisions
across the board in Irish Aid.


Over the last 12 months, I am pleased to say that we have been
working closely with the Obama administration and Secretary of
State Clinton on food security issues.


And today I want to announce a special event which will take place
at the MDG Summit in September. Ireland will co-host, with the US,
a high level political event on the global hunger crisis. The event
will highlight the importance of linking agriculture, food security
and nutrition programming in order to provide realistic and
sustainable solutions to this crisis. I met with the Chief of Staff
of Secretary of State Clinton when in Washington last week to
discuss the details of this significant event. In hosting this
event our intention is to push hunger and food security to the
centre of the Summit agenda. If we achieve that, Ireland will
have made a significant contribution to the Summit outcome.


Accelerating progress in lagging regions and
countries


The second issue that I will be prioritising and encouraging
the EU to take on board is the need to accelerate progress in
lagging regions and countries. We need an action plan from the
Summit on this. The MDGs can only be achieved universally – this
means everywhere and not just on an aggregate global level.


Progress in one country or region cannot be seen as compensating
for continuing or increasing poverty in another. We need to agree
at the Summit that the priority for the remaining time to 2015 is
to accelerate progress towards the MDGs in those countries and
regions that are making least progress. In plain terms, that means
focusing on those countries where Ireland has been and is
working. Let’s briefly examine some concrete examples:-


The challenges are most severe in the least developed countries,
with countries in or emerging from conflict more likely to be poor
and face greater constraints.


Despite the hopeful conclusion of the recent Lancet article, that,
investments in the correct interventions can lead to improvements
in maternal health, the appalling truth is that we have not made
progress on maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. And
that poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is double the overall developing
country rate. I had detailed discussions on this issue with Thoraya
Obaid, the Head of the UN Population Fund.


So how can we support regions and groups making the least progress?
We will need to prioritise, and to increase the proportion of
global ODA going to sub-Saharan Africa and LDCs. The UN Secretary
General has stated clearly: African aid lags far behind
commitments and far behind needs. Forthcoming
country reports from UNDP, with support from the UK, will present
analysis of what more needs to be done to support those countries
making the least progress. In my view, we should not finalise
our Summit positions until after this important report.


Social protection measures to support the most vulnerable
communities and countries are essential to reversing
marginalisation. We have to recognise the importance of social
protection programmes and support our government partners to
develop and implement them. 


Protecting and consolidating progress already
achieved


Our third priority is protecting and consolidating progress
already achieved, recognising that the MDGs are only achievable as
a collective set. For instance, we must consolidate gains in
education by focusing on the quality of education, which will bring
added value to the investments already made and help achieve the
retention and literacy rates integral to MDG2.


In addition to the above priorities I would like to highlight two
key points about the way we work:


Conclusion


Let me close by reiterating my own personal commitment, and that of
the Government, to the ideals, aspirations and specific targets set
out so clearly ten years ago in the Millennium Development Goals.


As I will regrettably have to depart shortly I look forward to
reading a report from my officials on your deliberations and hope
it can form part of our National and European position in
September.


I have not hidden from you the difficulties we face as a Government
and as a global community as we seek to meet our commitments to the
poorest people in the world. But I am convinced that through a
focused, coherent and collaborative approach Ireland and Europe can
make a significant contribution to this important Summit.


Thank you.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:40:21 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Micheál Martin, deplores Newtownhamilton Attack]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83490</link>
					<description><![CDATA[       







An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
PreasR&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Miche&#225;l Martin, deplores
Newtownhamilton Attack





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., has
deplored last night’s bomb attack in Newtownhamilton, Co.
Armagh.





He said:





“Last night’s bomb was a reckless and senseless attack on the
community in Newtownhamilton, a criminal act putting human life at
risk which cannot be justified or excused.





I wish those injured in the explosion a swift recovery and would
encourage anyone with any information to bring it to the police.”





The Minister continued:





“Those who carry out such acts and seek to justify them in the name
of the Republic are wrong and misguided. The only
viable road to unity on this island lies through peace, tolerance,
persuasion and agreement. Violence and coercion serve
no purpose in modern Ireland other than to delay reconciliation.





The overwhelming majority of Republicans on this island have chosen
to pursue unity through peaceful persuasion. I call on all
those who believe in the Republic to join us in this work. To
those who consider themselves Republicans but have neither the
stomach nor the patience for the long haul of reconciliation and
building up this nation, I call on you to stand back and leave the
work to those of us who do.





The people of Ireland have mapped out that road through a political
process endorsed through referenda north and south. To lash
out in blind and resentful aggression against the efforts to
establish peace, security and prosperity on this island, will not
bring about unity, nor will it end the British presence on this
island. Acts of violence such as that visited upon the people
of Newtownhamilton perpetuate sectarian division among our people
and the partition of our country. In the name of the
Republic, I call on those who commit these acts to stop.”





ENDS+++


Press Office


23 April 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:48:26 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83480</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l
Martin,


on the welfare of Irish citizens stranded abroad


I am deeply conscious of the plight of the many thousands of Irish
citizens who have found themselves unable to return home because of
flight restrictions. At this stage, it would appear that the
situation is unlikely to change in the immediate future.


While I understand that the bulk of Irish citizens are coping with
the situation, there are cases of individual hardship. I am also
well aware of the huge efforts that the Irish Embassies abroad are
already undertaking to assist those stranded.


However, in view of the ongoing difficult circumstances prevailing
at present, I have instructed my Department to open its Consular
Crisis Centre in Hainault House in Dublin.


The Centre will be manned until 8.00 pm this evening and can be
contacted on +353 1 4082999. It will remain open throughout the
coming week and its operation will be reviewed on a regular
basis. I should stress that the Centre is there to assist
those in difficulty and should only be accessed by those in genuine
need. The Department will be able to provide information and
reassurance but cannot organise individual travel arrangements.


For those abroad, it is important that you keep in contact with
your tour operator and with the airline which holds your booking.
The Department will also regularly update Travel Advice on its own
website 
www.dfa.ie. In addition, I would also advice citizens to
register their presence on the travel registration site on the same
website.


For those with genuine emergencies, should as a shortage of
prescribed medical products etc., I would advise you to contact the
local Irish Embassy, Consulate or Honorary Consulate, which will
endeavour to assist you. If you are running out of funds, you
should ask a relative or friend to transfer money through the
normal commercial companies. The local Irish mission can advise in
this area.


If your foreign visa is expiring shortly and you cannot leave,
please contact the local Irish mission for advice or your travel
agent. I would like to assure all those who find themselves
stranded that the Government are acutely aware of their
difficulties and will keep the position under review. We will also
be liaising with our EU colleagues.


For more details contact:


Press Office Duty Phone at 087 7788835 or Jerry O’Connor 087
6630338


Ends+++


Press Office


18 April 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:13:22 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83459</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister for
Foreign Affairs Announces €1.46 million of Funding to Underpin
Reconciliation


In the week which Stormont saw the appointment
of a devolved Minister for Justice, completing a key commitment
from the Good Friday Agreement, the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., today announced that 43 groups would
receive €1.46 million in funding to underpin reconciliation
initiatives.


“Now more than ever we are committed to honouring the provisions in
the Good Friday Agreement to provide financial assistance for the
work of reconciliation”, the Minister said. Reaffirming the
Government’s support, Minister Martin said that “despite the fact
that these are more difficult times economically than we have
experienced in recent years, the Government’s commitment to
reconciliation on the island of Ireland remains steadfast”.
The Minister stated that there would be no decrease in the
availability of funding in 2010 for groups involved in
cross-community and cross-border outreach and reconciliation work
across the island of Ireland.


“While we have seen extraordinary progress in the situation in
Northern Ireland, there is much left to be done. A small
number of individuals, intent on chaos and criminality, still wish
to pull Northern Ireland back to the days of violence and despair”,
the Minister said. “The people have stood
together and answered this challenge, indicating clearly that there
is no going back”, the Minister emphasised.


The Minister also said that “sectarianism remains a real challenge
to future stability in the north which needs to be confronted by
the wider community, it cannot be permitted to continue to blight
the progress we have made”, the Minister urged.


The Minister noted that the last decade has seen a transformation
in the geographic and physical landscape of the island with the
dismantling of security apparatus, rebuilding of roads and bridges
and the increase in cross-border travel. He underlined the
need, however, to continue to invest in the rebuilding of
relationships which have been damaged by the troubles emphasising
that “the next decade will see the continuation of the difficult
work of building a fully normalised and shared society in Northern
Ireland, and a valuable contribution to this process can be made
through my Department’s Reconciliation and Anti Sectarianism Funds
as well as deepening and strengthening the relationship between
North and South”.


The Minister committed the Anti Sectarianism and Reconciliation
Funds to continuing to look for opportunities to reach out and
support reconciliation initiatives and develop relationships
concluding that “no community should be left behind on this
journey”.


Some of the projects approved for funding by the Minister include:


€37,500 from the Anti-Sectarianism Fund for “The 1825 Project”
based in Brownlow, near Craigavon. This is a community based
training organisation based in Craigavon which designs and delivers
community relations and community development programmes on a cross
border and cross community basis. This allocation of funding will
go towards the Pathway to Leadership project, a training project
for young people from West Cavan and Craigavon Borough.


€100,000 from the Reconciliation Fund for Business in the
Community. Business in the Community aims to create positive
change in deprived communities across Northern Ireland. Through
this programme they develop capacity among local groups, encourage
leadership, and support communities to find their own solutions to
issues of sectarianism and racism.


€425,000 from the Reconciliation Fund for Cooperation
Ireland. Co-operation Ireland is a non-sectarian,
non-political, registered charity established in 1979 as a response
to the conflict in Northern Ireland. Its aim is to build
peace by advancing mutual understanding and respect by promoting
practical co-operation between all the people of Ireland and
between the different communities in Northern Ireland. This funding
is awarded as a contribution to support new and existing
programmes.


€270,000 from the Reconciliation Fund for the Glencree Centre for
Peace and Reconciliation. Glencree is a non-profit,
non-governmental organisation devoted to peace building and
reconciliation in Ireland, North and South, Britain and beyond.
Funding is awarded towards the Centre’s programme work, building
peace, fostering reconciliation by facilitating dialogues and
creating peace education resources.


€9,500 from the Anti-Sectarianism Fund for Greater Village
Regeneration Trust based in South Belfast. Much tension continues to manifest itself along the Village
area’s interface with West Belfast. This funding is awarded to
support youth intervention work with particular attention on those
living along the interface. The programme will deal with
political, cultural and ethnic diversity, and challenge young
people in their prejudices and expose them to new information and
thinking.


€10,000 from the Anti-Sectarianism Fund for INTERCOMM based in
North Belfast. INTERCOMM seek to forge collaborative and
productive working relationships within all communities and
constituencies. This project will seek to deepen relations
between former combatants and ex-prisoner communities in the New
Lodge and Tiger’s Bay areas of North Belfast.


€25,000 from the Anti-Sectarianism Fund for Irish Peace
Institute. The Institute seeks to promote peace through
training and grass roots capacity building. Funding is awarded for
their Linking Cities II project, a Coleraine/Limerick youth
exchange project successfully piloted in 2009, expanding it into a
more detailed and targeted peace building and reconciliation
programme.


€9,500 from the Reconciliation Fund for Kids own Publishing
Partnership Ltd. Funding is approved towards The Travelling
Library - a mobile installation, housing books made by children for
children that will travel to six libraries, north and south of the
border. During its installation for a month in each library, Kids
Own will deliver book making workshops, by an artist and a writer,
to children on the theme of ‘All Equal, All Different’.


€40,000 from the Reconciliation Fund for Maiden City Festival based
in Derry. The Maiden City Festival was introduced as a means
to reduce the potential for violence at Apprentice Boys of Derry
events and to create a better understanding of Protestant culture
amongst all communities “towards a shared city for all”.


Note for Editors:


As part of the Good Friday Agreement, participants undertook to
“positively examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for
the work of reconciliation.” On that basis, a Government Decision
in April 1999 increased funding eightfold to &#163;2 million. The
budget for this year is €3 million - this covers both the
Reconciliation Fund and the Anti-Sectarianism Fund. Over
1999-2009, the two Funds have disbursed over €21 million to over
750 groups.


Projects approved for funding by the Minister under the
Reconciliation Fund are set out below:









Organisation




Delivery / Region




Amount Awarded






Ballyduff Community House




Co Antrim




€8,000






Belleek &amp;amp; District Community Partnership




Co Fermanagh




€8,000






Business in the Community




Belfast Wide




€100,000






Clonard Monastery




Belfast West




€12,500






Community Technical Aid




North-South




€11,000






Cooperation Ireland




North-South




€425,000






Countrywide Hillwalkers Association (CHA)




North-South




€400






Derry Theatre Trust T/A The Millennium Forum




Derry City




€15,000






Dooneen Community Association




Co Fermanagh




€17,500






Downpatrick Listowel Linkage Group




North-South




€22,500






Glencree




North-South




€270,000






Intercomm Ireland




Belfast North




€10,000






Journey of Remembering




North-South




€10,000






Kids own Publishing Partnership Ltd




North-South




€15,000






Laurencetown, Leanaderg &amp;amp; Tullylish Community Association




Co Armagh




€5,000






Mosside Development Group Ltd




Co Antrim




€5,000






Northern Ireland Trade Union, Educational &amp;amp; Social Centre Ltd




NI Wide




€70,000






Pat Finucane Centre




Co Armagh




€7,500






Positive Futures / Enable Ireland




North-South




€25,000






R&#225;s na h&#201;ireann




North-South




€15,000






Saver Naver




Co Armagh




€17,500






Tara Centre




Co Tyrone




€45,000






Tyrone Derry &amp;amp; Donegal Action




Co Tyrone




€15,000






Ullans Academy (The)




NI Wide




€5,000






Projects approved for funding by the Minister under the
Anti-Sectarianism Fund are set out below:






Organisation




Delivery / Region




Amount Awarded








174 Trust (The)




Belfast North




€36,000






1825 Project (The)




Co Armagh




€37,500






Tiger's Bay Boxing Club




Belfast North




€4,000






Ballybeen Improvement Group




Belfast East




€6,000






Ballybeen Women's Centre




Belfast East




€12,500






Beechfield Primary Playgroup




Belfast East




€8,000






Bogside Artist (The)




Derry City




€12,500






City Centre Initiative (CCI)




Derry City




€15,000






Football in the Community - Teenage Kickz




Derry City




€30,000






Giants Community Foundation




Belfast North




€22,500






Greater Village Regeneration Trust




Belfast South




€9,500






Helping Hands Training Projects




Belfast East




€11,000






Hobby Horse Cross Community Playgroup




Belfast West




€10,000






Irish Peace Institute




North-South




€25,000






Junction (The) / Irish School of Ecumenics




Derry City




€15,000






Maiden City Festival




Derry City




€40,000






Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association - NIMMA




NI Wide




€20,000






Pat Finucane Centre &quot;Henry Cunningham Bursary&quot;




North-South




€5,000






St Patricks Festival Limerick




North-South




€7,500









ENDS+++


Press Office


12 April 2010










]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:11:08 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83457</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Miche&#225;l Martin Welcomes Devolution of Policing and


Justice Powers to Northern Ireland


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., has
welcomed David Ford’s election today to the position of Minister of
Justice in the devolved Executive.


The Minister said:


“I congratulate David Ford on his appointment and wish him and his
officials every success in their work.


Today, responsibility for policing and justice powers is in the
hands of the representatives of the people of Northern
Ireland.


Building on the Good Friday Agreement, and consistent with the
spirit and recommendations of the Patten Report, authority and
responsibility for policing and justice issues is where they ought
to be: at local level, accountable to, and operating for the
benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland. Today’s decision
offers an opportunity to further consolidate and develop the
achievements of the peace process.


Those behind last night’s bomb in Holywood, Co. Down, should take
note that the political process continues to move ahead. We stand
firm, for peace and democracy. Today’s appointment of David Ford as
Minister of Justice confirms our collective resolve.”


ENDS+++


Press Office


12 April 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:43:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[April]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83128</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes New START Agreement


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., today
welcomed the signing of the New Strategic Arms Reduction (START)
Treaty by President Obama and President Medvedev in Prague today.
The Minister recalled that “it was in Prague one year ago that
President Obama outlined his vision of a world without nuclear
weapons, a goal which Ireland has long worked towards. The new
agreement signed today by the leaders of Russia and the United
States is a positive step along that road, and a concrete example
of the progress in this vital endeavour.”


The Minister went on to urge all those who wish to see an end to
the role which nuclear weapons have played in the world over the
past 60 years to now seize the momentum created by the New START
agreement. This was especially important at the current time, as
almost 190 States gather next month for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
in New York.


The Minister also hoped that the US Nuclear
Posture Review, released this week, which confirmed that the US
is intent on reducing the role which nuclear weapons have
previously played in its approach to national security, will impact
positively on preparations for the NPT Review Conference.


Note for Editors:


The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference takes place
every five years. The 2010 Conference will take place at the UN in
New York from 3-28 May 2010.


The 2010 United States Nuclear Posture Review was released on 6
April 2010 in Washington by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
and US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates. It sets out US nuclear
policy, strategy, capabilities and force posture for the next five
to ten years.


ENDS+++


Press Office


08 April 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:03:38 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83448</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the report by
the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs on foreign trade
promotion


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., has welcomed
the publication today by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign
Affairs of the report on “Ireland’s foreign trade promotion –
developing markets for Irish exports.”


“Our economic recovery will be export-led,” the Minister said, “and
Ireland’s network of Embassies and Consulates has a critical role
to play in economic development.”


The Minister welcomed the recognition in the report of the role
which our Ambassadors and Embassies play in opening doors in
foreign markets for Irish companies and said that, together with
the Promoting Ireland Abroad Division of the Department of Foreign
Affairs, he is working with other relevant Departments and State
Agencies to ensure their marketing campaigns operate in a
co-ordinated fashion and in the context of clear and co-ordinated
messaging on the strengths of the economy.


“The Committee’s report is a valuable contribution to the national
debate on economic recovery,” the Minister added, “and is in
keeping with the emphasis in the Renewed Programme for Government
on building a high productivity, low-carbon, smart economy which
will create new, quality jobs.”


The Minister said he would examine the findings and proposals in
the report and that he looked forward to further engaging with the
Committee. He recalled that significant progress has been made on
the original objectives of the Global Irish Economic Forum in
Farmleigh, namely to explore how the Irish at home and abroad could
work together and contribute to economic recovery and to examine
ways in which they could develop a more strategic relationship with
each other in the economic sector.


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


1 April 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:43:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Release]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83445</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Visit by the Foreign
Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina


Mr Sven Alkalaj


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D.,
and the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Sven
Alkalaj, met today in Dublin for talks on a range of bilateral and
international issues. Ministers also discussed the EU
perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Minister Martin
reaffirmed Ireland’s support for EU membership of the countries of
the Western Balkans including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ireland
offered to help Bosnia and Herzegovina in preparing itself to
achieve this objective and meet the established criteria for
membership.


Minister Alkalaj briefed Minister Martin on Bosnia and
Herzegovina’s current membership of the UN Security Council.
Minister Martin outlined Ireland’s preparations for our
Chairmanship in 2012 of the Organisation for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Minister also congratulated
Bosnia and Herzegovina on the recent appointment of Ms. Dunja
Mijatocic as the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.


Ministers also discussed the scope to promote bilateral trade and
investment in both goods and services.


Minister Alkalaj was accompanied by the Ambassador of Bosnia and
Herzegovina to Ireland, Mrs. Jadranka Negodic, and senior
officials.


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


31 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:52:01 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power pledges €13 million to Haiti’s recovery]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83442</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Minister of State
for Overseas Development Peter Power pledges €13 million to
Haiti’s recovery


Today at the United Nations, the Minister of State for Overseas
Development, Peter Power TD, will pledge €13 million towards
rebuilding Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake of 12
January.


Minister Power will be speaking on Wednesday morning at an
international donors’ conference in New York, which will be chaired
by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton in cooperation with the Government of Haiti.


Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive will outline his
government’s long-term reconstruction plan, which draws on a
comprehensive post-disaster assessment carried out by the United
Nations, EU, World Bank and others.


The Irish pledge of €13 million over three years will be used to
support the Haitian plan to recover and rebuild the devastated
country. It includes €1 million for the relief of Haiti’s debt to
the World Bank.


Speaking ahead of the conference, Minister Power said:


“The devastation wrought by the earthquake of 12 January provoked
an outpouring of public sympathy and an overwhelmingly generous
response by the people of Ireland. The Government moved swiftly to
provide emergency aid and funding, which to date has exceeded €4
million.


Today, I am building on that commitment with a pledge to provide
financial support over the next three years which will bring the
Irish Government’s total support to €13 million.


The scale of the challenge is enormous: the damage resulting from
the earthquake is estimated at $7.9 billion – more than Haiti’s
entire economic output last year. While the Haitian Government’s
long-term plan has the potential to transform the fortunes of Haiti
in the years ahead, the immediate needs of affected families are
immense.


As the rains begin and the hurricane season looms, we must urgently
address the lack of shelter and sanitation facilities if we are to
prevent an even more serious humanitarian crisis in the months
ahead.


Equally, we must remain focused at all times on protecting the most
vulnerable: women, children, the elderly and disabled. The
Government has prioritised these areas for funding and will
continue to do so in the months ahead.


Over the next three years, we will support the Haitian Government’s
action plan which is strongly focused on rebuilding the country’s
shattered infrastructure; strengthening security, justice and
planning systems; reducing the country’s vulnerability to natural
disasters and providing health, education and housing. Stimulating
economic growth will also be a priority to support the Haitian
people in rebuilding their lives,” Minister Power said.


The funding of €13 million incorporates almost €1 million towards
the cancellation of Haiti’s remaining debt to the World Bank.


Minister Power said:


“I warmly welcome the statement by the World Bank that an agreement
with donors has been reached to cancel the remaining debt owed by
Haiti to the World Bank.


Ireland will contribute almost €1m to cancel Haiti’s debt to the
Bank’s International Development Association.


Ireland has stated very clearly that the tragic earthquake of 12
January should not lead to further indebtedness for Haiti, and that
vital resources should not be diverted from the response to the
disaster.


More broadly, Ireland remains strongly committed to international
efforts to cancel or ease the debt burden on developing
countries. In Ireland’s case, all of our development
assistance is provided in the form of grants and not loans.


I would like to thank the Minister of Finance and his Department
who participated in the negotiations. The Department of Foreign
Affairs and the Department of Finance will continue to monitor the
handling of Haiti’s remaining multilateral debt. I also call on any
remaining bilateral creditors to cancel Haiti’s debt.”


For further information or to request an interview with Minister
Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid,
the Department of Foreign Affairs on 087-9099975.


Notes to the editor



Video and audio feed of the Minister’s UN speech is available on
request.


Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development.
It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs


Ireland’s pledge of €13 million will be disbursed over three years.
It will support the Haitian Government’s plan for reconstruction,
which draws on the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment carried out by
the UN, EU, World Bank and others in consultation with civil
society, NGOs and the private sector.


Ireland’s support will focus meeting needs in the areas of shelter,
sanitation and protection, with a particular emphasis on supporting
women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.


Almost €1 million will go towards cancellation of Haiti’s debt to
the World Bank. Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan and officials
from his Department participated in the negotiations which led to
the World Bank cancelling Haiti’s outstanding debt. The debt
cancellation will be implemented via a new dedicated debt relief
trust fund set up at the World Bank’s Development Association. The
funds are made available from unallocated investment income from
the existing Debt Relief Trust Fund to which Ireland is a
contributor.


The pledge of €13 million includes the €4 million already provided
to Haiti. This is made up of almost €3 million in direct emergency
funding to UN agencies and Irish NGOs including Concern, Haven,
World Vision, Plan Ireland and Goal. It also includes two
consignments of 130 tonnes of emergency supplies of shelter and
sanitation equipment which were distributed by Concern, Goal and
Trocaire on the ground.


Ireland contributed €20 million to the United Nation's Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73 million
since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami. The CERF
provides immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in a crisis
such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest donor to this
fund. This funding was drawn upon in the wake of the Haitian
earthquake.


Six members of Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps are currently on
deployment in Haiti: Three are working with the World Food
Programme, one with Concern, one with Goal and one with the UN
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Further
deployments are anticipated.



Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


30 March 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:26:57 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83433</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister for Foreign Affairs Welcomes Publication of Research on
Young People and Policing in Northern Ireland


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., today
welcomed the publication of a study on the attitudes of young
people towards policing in Northern Ireland as undertaken jointly
by the Belfast-based Achieve Enterprises and Institute for Conflict
Research with financial support from the Reconciliation Fund of the
Department of Foreign Affairs.


Minister Martin commented:


“I am pleased that my Department’s Reconciliation Fund has been
able to support such a landmark study. I also welcome the
fact that it has been completed with assistance from a wide range
of stakeholders, including the PSNI, the Police Ombudsman for
Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Policing Board, and
across various locations throughout Northern Ireland.


The findings of ‘Beyond the Margins: Building Trust in Policing
with Young People’ will offer an important contribution to
public debate that is currently underway on the ‘hearts and minds’
aspects of policing with the community in Northern Ireland. It also
provides further ideas and insights on how to ensure that relations
between local young people and PSNI officers continue to develop in
a positive and constructive manner, building on the solid progress
that has already been made.


The study is also a particularly timely one as it emerges just
ahead of the scheduled completion of devolution of policing and
justice on 12 April. I endorse its objectives wholeheartedly and
look forward to hearing reactions to its findings.”


Note for Editors:


As part of the Good Friday Agreement, participants undertook to
“positively examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for
the work of reconciliation.” On that basis, a Government
Decision in April 1999 increased funding eightfold to &#163;2
million. The budget for this year is €3 million - this covers
both the Reconciliation Fund and the Anti-Sectarianism Fund.
Over 1999-2009, the two Funds have disbursed over €21 million to
over 750 groups.


€30,000 was awarded to the Belfast-based Achieve
Enterprisesin July 2009 from the Reconciliation Fund
toundertake a study, including a series of workshops, on the
engagement between police and young people in Northern Ireland,
with particular emphasis on those in socially deprived
areas,.The work was undertaken in conjunction with the
Institute for Conflict Research, an independent academic research
organisation, also located in Belfast.


ENDS+++


Press Office


30 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:58:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the Moscow Metro Bombings]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83423</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the Moscow
Metro Bombings


I am horrified at the appalling loss of life in this morning’s
bombings on the Moscow metro. I condemn those responsible for this
gratuitous act of terrorism on innocent people on their way to
work. Nothing can justify such an outrageous attack, which has
taken the lives of so many and left scores injured.


On behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, I send heartfelt
sympathy to the bereaved and offer my best wishes for a swift
recovery to the injured.


ENDS+++


Press Office


29 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:12:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[LATEST ADVICE ON APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83420</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








LATEST ADVICE ON APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT




Before making any overseas travel plans, customers should check
passport expiry dates and submit any applications in sufficient
time before the intended date of travel.


Photocopy the photograph page of any existing passport being
renewed, include with the application form and retain the existing
passport.


The recommended method for submitting passport applications is via
the Passport Express service or Royal Mail NIPX service, available
through local post offices.


Applications submitted through this service are currently being
processed between 15 and 20 days of receipt.


Projected turnaround times for the issuing of passports are
regularly updated and available at www.passport.ie


The public counters and out of hours services should only be used
by those who have a necessity to travel for reasons of family
emergency. i.e. travel is necessitated by the death, illness or
welfare of a family member.


All other applications should be submitted through the Passport
Express channel.


Customers should retain the barcode number on their passport
application and use this number to check the status of their
application on the Passport Service website: www.passport.ie. This should be the
primary contact point for information and the site is updated
several times a day.


Any queries on applications should be e-mailed using the contact
details page on the website and should include the barcode
number. These e-mails will be dealt with in order of receipt.


Customers who have made arrangements to collect their passport,
should not call to the public counter until they have confirmed on
the website confirms that the relevant passport is ready for
collection.







Ends+++


Press Office


29 March 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:05:30 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83393</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin,
on the ongoing Industrial Action in the Passport Offices


I would ask staff in the Passport Service to resume normal working
procedures in the passport office. I am greatly concerned at the
effects that the ongoing Industrial Action is having on the Irish
public. Discussions are underway to resolve the current dispute.
Continuation of this action will only have the effect of inflicting
pain on Irish people who have plans to travel for personal or
business reasons. The place to solve this dispute is through
the Talks Process, not by inconveniencing people and putting them
to extra cost.


There is now a considerable back log and the turnaround
time has increased from 10 working days to between 18 and 20
working days. Updates on applications are on www.passport.ie.


The Passport Service is normally one of the most efficient
and well-run public services in this country. It enjoys a huge
amount of trust and respect from the public. Every year the service
provides up to 600,000 passports to Irish citizens throughout the
32 counties of Ireland and the rest of world. It operates a 24
hour, 365 day a week emergency service. It has been measured
favourably against passport services in a number of European
countries.


This well-earned respect has been placed in jeopardy by the
current action. This Industrial Action has led to the build up of a
backlog of over 40,000 applications in the system. As a result it
has brought misery for many people who simply wanted the State to
provide them with travel documents. There have been long
queues outside Molesworth Street in Dublin. Conditions
there are simply not acceptable. Some people have traveled
long distances to collect a passport only to find the service to
the public be withdrawn with little or no notice. The nature of
this dispute is particularly hard on the most vulnerable members of
society.


Ends+++


22 March 2010


Press Office




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:16:28 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83392</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l
Martin, on the ongoing Industrial Action in the Passport
Offices


I would ask staff in the Passport Service to resume normal working
procedures in the passport office. I am greatly concerned at the
effects that the ongoing Industrial Action is having on the Irish
public. Discussions are underway to resolve the current dispute.
Continuation of this action will only have the effect of inflicting
pain on Irish people who have plans to travel for personal or
business reasons. The place to solve this dispute is through
the Talks Process, not by inconveniencing people and putting them
to extra cost.


There is now a considerable back log and the turnaround time has
increased from 10 working days to between 18 and 20 working days.
Updates on applications are on www.passports.ie.


The Passport Service is normally one of the most efficient and
well-run public services in this country. It enjoys a huge amount
of trust and respect from the public. Every year the service
provides up to 600,000 passports to Irish citizens throughout the
32 counties of Ireland and the rest of world. It operates a 24
hour, 365 day a week emergency service. It has been measured
favourably against passport services in a number of European
countries.


This well-earned respect has been placed in jeopardy by the current
action. This Industrial Action has led to the build up of a backlog
of over 40,000 applications in the system. As a result it has
brought misery for many people who simply wanted the State to
provide them with travel documents. There have been long
queues outside Molesworth Street in Dublin. Conditions
there are simply not acceptable. Some people have traveled
long distances to collect a passport only to find the service to
the public be withdrawn with little or no notice. The nature of
this dispute is particularly hard on the most vulnerable members of
society.


Ends+++


22 March 2010


Press Office







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:11:33 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83388</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Industrial Action in the Passport Service


The Passport Service has been informed by the Civil and Public
Services Union and the Public Service Executive Union that their
members will not operate public counters from 1:00pm on Friday 19th
March, and therefore the Passport Office Offices in Dublin, Cork,
and Balbriggan will be closed to the public from then. Updates will
be published on the Passport Service website: www.passport.ie.


The Passport Service apologises to customers for the disruption of
service and inconvenience


Ends+++


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


18 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:50:27 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83384</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Taxation
Agreement with South Africa signed during
visit by Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter
Power


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power TD, today
met South Africa’s Minister of Finace, Mr. Pravin Gordhan, in Cape
Town for discussions on economic and development issues and for the
signing of a Protocol to the Irish-South Africa Double Taxation
Agreement which will improve the conditions for trade between
Ireland and South Africa.


Minister Power emphasised the importance for the two countries of
this protocol which will further strengthen the bilateral relations
between Ireland the Republic of South Africa.


Speaking after the signing of the protocol, Minister Power said:


“Taxation treaties have a range of benefits for Irish companies who
want to do business overseas. The agreements reduce the possibility
of taxation being levied twice and encourage cross-border trade
efficiency.


“The treaties also assist in the elimination of tax evasion and
improve certainty for taxpayers and tax authorities in their
international dealings.


“The protocol signed today updates our existing tax treaty with
South Africa. It increases certainty and improves the trade
environment for Irish businesses selling products or services to
South Africa. The Government is committed to doing everything
possible to assist Irish businesses working in markets around the
world, including South Africa.


“Ireland has a wide network of comprehensive double taxation
agreements. The agreements cover direct taxes, which in the case of
Ireland are income tax, corporation tax and capital gains tax.


“We are always seeking to increase our network of taxation treaties
and update the existing treaties to take account of developments in
international trade and taxation.”


Today, Minister Power also addressed a St. Patrick’s Day Reception
in the Embassy of Ireland in Cape Town, where Irish food was
showcased with the support of An Bord Bia and the Irish Dairy
Board.


At the reception Minister Power spoke of the prospects for the
Irish economy in light of the tough decisions taken by the
Government to deal with the effects of the global and financial
crisis.


The Minister met with South African and local Irish business
leaders and warmly praised the moves to establish an Irish business
association in Cape Town inspired by the success of the Global
Irish Forum held in Farmleigh in September, 2009.


The Minister told the guests that the Government supports efforts
to promote Irish business interests by helping to provide
opportunities for improving business contacts and facilitating
business opportunities. He stressed the Government’s commitment to
improving economic ties with South Africa. He recognised the
impressive strength, resilience and enormous potential of the South
African economy as a powerhouse for development in Africa noting
that South Africa is a key member of the G20.


“For Ireland, South Africa is a key entry point for our trade with
the rest of Africa. The Embassy of Ireland will continue to work
closely with Enterprise Ireland and with Irish companies who are
exploring potential contracts and export opportunities in South
Africa,” he said.


Note for Editors:


In 2008, South Africa was Ireland’s 35th largest merchandise
trading partner with merchandise trade worth over €407 million.
Exports were valued at €286 million; imports at €121 million. In
2008 trade in services was worth €807 million. Exports were valued
at €538 million and imports were worth €269 million.


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power is on an
official field visit to oversee Irish Aid programmes in Lesotho and
South Africa, from March 15 to 19. The Irish Aid programme in South
Africa is focused on supporting people living with HIV and AIDS; on
improving the delivery of education services and water and
sanitation facilities, and on preventing and responding to
gender-based violence.


Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development.
It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For more
information visit http://www.irishaid.gov.ie


Over the coming days, Minister Power will visit Irish Aid-funded
programmes in the Province of Limpopo where Ireland’s programme is
focused. He will meet health workers who are caring for people
living with HIV and visit organisations that provide water and
sanitation services to the rural community with the support of
Irish Aid.


Since 1994, Ireland’s assistance to South Africa has support for
the transition from apartheid to democracy. The Irish Aid programme
is designed to contribute to the reduction of poverty and
inequality and is primarily focused on the Limpopo Province in the
north of the country, one of the poorest regions in South Africa.
Total Irish Aid support to South Africa this year will exceed €5
million.


For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975.


Ends+++


Press Office


17 March 2010










]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:26:39 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs on Passport Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83381</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs on Passport
Office





Due to extensive flooding, the Passport Office, Molesworth Street,
Dublin 2, has been closed.





Any citizen who is to collect a passport today can collect it from
Hainault House, 69 - 71 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, from 11.00
this morning. Any citizen who needs a passport on a genuine
emergency basis should report to Iveagh House, 80 St. Stephen’s
Green, Dublin 2, where an emergency passport service is in
operation.





Ends+++


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


16 March 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:53:35 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83379</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister Power highlights the importance of Ireland’s
support for HIV/AIDS initiatives during official visit to
Lesotho


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, T.D.,
today visited a remote mountain clinic in Lesotho which is offering
life-saving treatment to people living with HIV and AIDS with the
support of Irish Aid.


Minister Power, who is visiting Lesotho to oversee the
implementation of the Irish Aid programme, met patients and staff
at the Bobete Clinic. This is one of seven clinics in remote,
mountainous areas which are supported by Irish Aid and the Clinton
Foundation in partnership with Lesotho’s Ministry of Health. A
further two clinics will be opened by the end of 2011.


Lesotho has the third highest HIV prevalence rate in the world,
with approximately 23% of the adult population living with HIV.


Speaking after his visit to Bobete, Minister Power said:


“Today, I witnessed the impact of the Irish Aid’s investment in
this highly-effective programme to provide treatment and care to
thousands of men, women and children who are living with HIV and
AIDS.


“These clinics are in remote, inaccessible areas of Lesotho. Before
this programme was started, many of the people being treated today
would have had their lives cut short by the scourge of HIV because
they would not have been able to access treatment and care.


“It was heartening to hear the stories of the patients who can now
access testing and counselling services; receive the drugs they
need in order to live a more normal life and be provided with the
nutritional support which is vitally important for the treatment to
work effectively. This is an integrated and effective programme
which has transformed the lives of thousands of people in these
mountain areas.


“Addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic is a priority across the Irish
Aid programme and €3.85 million has been allocated for 2010 for
support to HIV/AIDS initiatives in Lesotho.”


Since its inception in June 2006, almost 35,000 people have
received counselling and testing for HIV, more than 7,500 HIV
positive patients have been enrolled into the programme for care
and almost 5,000 people have been put on treatment for HIV and AIDS
(ART).


Minister Power said: “These tangible improvements have been
achieved thanks to the support of the Irish people and our targeted
and effective partnerships with the Government and the Clinton
Foundation.&quot;


During his two-day visit to Lesotho, Minister Power also visited
the Mountain Orphan and Vulnerable Child Empowerment (MOVE) Project
managed by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The project is
designed to improve the diet and living conditions of orphaned
children, caregivers, and their households in four of Lesotho’s
rural health clinic areas.


Through the development of a ‘homestead garden’, families can grow
much of their own food and improve and vary their diet. This is
complemented by training in good nutrition and dietary practices
and, in some cases, in marketing surplus produce to provide a cash
income.


“To date, Irish Aid has contributed €620,000 to the MOVE project,
enabling over 5,500 orphaned and vulnerable children to access
these essential support services,” Minister Power said


Minister Power also visited the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)
hangar. MAF is Christian lay-missionary organisation which, in
collaboration with the Lesotho Flying Doctor Service, provides
pilots and aircraft to service the remote mountain clinics on a
daily basis.


For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan,
press officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on
01-4082653 or 087-9099975


Note for the editor


Minister Power is on an official field visit to two of Irish Aid’s
priority countries: Lesotho and South Africa. After leaving Lesotho
today (March 16), he will spend three days in South Africa,
visiting HIV and water and sanitation programmes which are
supported by Irish Aid. He will also meet Irish Aid partners,
Government Ministers and Irish missionaries.


Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development.
It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For more
information visit http://www.irishaid.gov.ie


Established in 1975, Lesotho is Ireland’s longest running bilateral
programme. The programme, administered through the Embassy of
Ireland in Maseru, is focused on health, education, water,
governance and HIV/AIDS. Irish Aid’s Country Programme budget for
2010 is €10.7million


Lesotho is currently ranked at 156 out of 182 countries on the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development
Index. An estimated 43% of the population live below the poverty
line, with 29% being classified as ‘very poor’.


Since 2007, Irish Aid has provided over €500,000 in support to
civil society organisations working in Lesotho, in addition to the
programme budget. These include Skillshare International
Ireland, Camara Education, the ‘Twinning the Kingdoms’ (an
initiative between Lesotho and the ‘Kingdom’ of Kerry) and ACARA.
There are also a number of inter-school links involving Clongowes,
Schull Community College and Pallaskenry Salesian College.


Ends+++


Press Office


16 March 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:16:25 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83377</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs on Passport
Office


Due to extensive flooding, the Passport Office, Molesworth Street,
Dublin 2, has been closed.


Any citizen who is to collect a passport today can collect it from
Hainault House, 69 - 71 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, from 11.00
this morning. Any citizen who needs a passport on a genuine
emergency basis should report to Iveagh House, 80 St. Stephen’s
Green, Dublin 2, where an emergency passport service is in
operation.


Ends+++


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


16 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:33:15 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83375</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister for Foreign Affairs Begins St. Patrick’s Day Visit
to Washington D.C.


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. M&#237;cheal Martin T.D., begins a
visit to Washington D.C. today to accompany the Taoiseach on his St
Patrick’s Day programme of high-level meetings and events there.


As well as accompanying the Taoiseach to his meeting with President
Obama on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, the Minister will have
substantive discussions on bilateral issues when he meets with the
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, 16
March. The topics to be discussed include global economic recovery,
recent developments in Northern Ireland, immigration issues,
European and international issues and Ireland-US relations.


The Minister will also have the opportunity to update members of
the Global Irish Network on progress being made since the Global
Economic Forum in Farmleigh last October.


The Minister said:


“I am delighted to be able to participate in events in Washington
D.C. marking St. Patrick’s Day. The welcome being extended both to
the Taoiseach and I demonstrates the strength of Ireland’s
relationship with the United States. I look forward in my
discussions with Secretary Clinton and with other political and
business leaders to discussing areas for greater cooperation
between our two countries so that we can continue to strengthen
this key relationship.”


Ends+++


Press Office


15 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:25 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83374</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power
announces €800,000 in funding to Irish and international
organisations in Haiti


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D.,
today announced funding of more than €800,000 to agencies
responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti.


The funding will be provided to Plan Ireland, Christian Aid and UN
agencies.


This latest round of emergency funding brings the total Government
aid commitment to Haiti to almost €4 million. It is focused
on education and child protection, shelter, agriculture and
environmental support.


Making the announcement, Minister Power said:


“Nearly two months after the earthquake, the needs of people
of Haiti remain immense. Children in particular remain extremely
vulnerable. Irish Aid funding of €250,000 will help Plan
Ireland to operate six temporary schools. These schools will also
provide protective spaces and psychological support to help
children recover from the extreme trauma which they have
experienced.


The Haitian Government estimates that 1.9 million people have lost
their homes. Shelter remains a critical need. Irish Aid
funding of €200,000 will support the UN Humanitarian Settlement
Programme, UN-HABITAT, to assist the Haitian Government in
rehabilitating Haiti’s housing, social and physical
infrastructure,” Minister Power said


“The devastating earthquake also seriously affected the agriculture
sector. In many cases, tools, seeds and fertilisers were lost
or damaged, while the destruction of roads and irrigation systems
has had an impact on agricultural productivity.


The large scale displacement of families from urban to rural areas
has also put pressure on food availability. Irish Aid is
supporting the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation to protect
the vital agriculture sector from further decline.


We are also supporting Christian Aid’s programme to provide cash
support to rural farming families who are hosting those displaced
from the cities. This will help to support 1,000 families.


Before the earthquake, Haiti was considered to have the worst
degree of environmental degradation in the northern hemisphere.
This situation has been compounded by the earthquake.
With support from Irish Aid and other donors, the UN Environment
Programme, UNEP, is conducting rapid environmental assessments and
providing advice on environmental issues to the hundreds of
humanitarian agencies engaged in Haiti. It is essential that
environmental concerns are factored into relief and recovery
strategies, including waste management and rubble
disposal.


The Haitian Government is leading the recovery effort, and the
funding I am announcing today will help support them in that effort
across a range of priority areas.


This funding brings the Government’s total commitment to Haiti to
approximately €4 million. Six members of Ireland’s Rapid
Response Corps are currently on the ground supporting the emergency
response, while over 130 tonnes of Irish Aid relief supplies have
now been distributed by partner agencies.


I am keeping the Government’s response to the Haiti earthquake
under review, and intend to make an additional funding pledge, as
part of the overall EU response, at the forthcoming International
Donors Conference – Towards a New Future for Haiti – on 31 March in
New York.”


For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975. For further information on Irish Aid, visit
   www.irishaid.gov.ie


Note for Editors:


Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas assistance. It
is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs.


The funding announced today is being distributed as follows:


€250,000 to Plan Ireland for the running of six temporary schools


€200,000 to UN-HABITAT to assist the Haitian Government in the
areas of housing, social and physical infrastructure, urban and
spatial planning and shelter advice


€200,000 to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to
support the recovery of the agriculture sector


€127,500 to Christian Aid to ensure that 1,000 host and displaced
families in rural areas have sufficient funds to meet their
short-term food and other basic needs


€100,000 to the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) to ensure that
environmental concerns are factored into the relief and recovery
efforts in Haiti


Today’s announcement forms part of the Government’s commitment of€3
million in direct funding in response to the crisis. Funds have
been previously provided to Concern, World Vision, Haven, the
International Federation of the Red Cross and UN agencies,
including the World Food Programme.


The Government has supplied 130 tonnes of emergency humanitarian
aid which have been distributed in Haiti by Concern, Goal and
Tr&#243;caire. The supplies provided more than 12,000 families with
shelter and basic sanitation equipment.


Irish Aid maintains the Rapid Response Corps, a register of 130
highly-skilled individuals who are willing to be deployed at short
notice to assist in an emergency relief effort. Six members have
deployed to Haiti since the disaster struck.


Ireland contributed €20 million to the United Nation's
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73
million since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami.
The CERF provides immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in
a crisis such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest
donor to this fund.


Ends+++


Press Office


14 March 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:08:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, TD on Israeli announcement of Construction of 1,600 new homes in East Jerusalem]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83365</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476




Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie
 R&#237;omh
Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin,
TD on Israeli announcement of Construction of 1,600 new homes in
East Jerusalem





I very much join with High Representative Ashton and other EU
colleagues in condemning yesterday’s decision by the Israeli
authorities to proceed with the construction of 1,600 new housing
units in East Jerusalem.





The announcement, along with that made earlier this week regarding
construction of 112 new homes in a West Bank settlement, seriously
calls into question Israel’s commitment to achieve progress in the
proximity talks which have just been announced. I would very much
urge the Israeli authorities to reverse the decision which, if
proceeded with, will only further undermine confidence that the
political progress so urgently required in the Middle East can be
achieved in the coming weeks and months.





As has been stated many times before, settlements are illegal under
international law. Israel must start to fulfil all its commitments
and obligations relating to the peace process and refrain from
unilateral and provocative actions of this kind which only
jeopardize the final status negotiations and the realisation of a
two-state solution.





Ends+++


Press Office


10 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:01:47 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83362</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin
T.D.


and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Dr. Ahmet
Davutoğlu


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., and
Turkish Foreign Minister, Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu met today in Dublin
to discuss a range of bilateral and international issues. The
meeting took place against the backdrop of the official visit later
this month to Turkey by President McAleese during which she will
honour the memories of Irish soldiers on the 95th anniversary of
the Gallipoli Campaign and be involved in some business promotion
events.


At the outset of the meeting, the Minister expressed his sympathy
to the Turkish Government and people for the loss of life and
destruction caused by the 8 March earthquake in eastern
Turkey.


The Ministers discussed the scope to promote trade in goods and
services between Ireland and Turkey, which in 2008 reached €1.27
billion. Minister Martin expressed his hope that Turkey would
find a way to lift their ban on the importation of Irish
beef. The Minister outlined the steps taken by Ireland to
eradicate BSE and noted the re-opening of other markets.
Foreign Minister Davutoğlu highlighted growing Turkish investment
in Ireland, notably in the Irish Financial Services Centre.


Both Ministers committed to renewed efforts to support the Middle
East peace process. Minister Davutoğlu outlined the
constructive role that Turkey is playing in advancing the cause of
peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East,
Caucasus, Afghanistan, and the Western Balkans. Minister
Martin outlined the findings of his recent trip to Gaza.


Minister Martin briefed on the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty
and on current issues on the European agenda. Discussions
also focused on Turkey’s accession to the European Union.
Minister Davutoğlu outlined the progress made on political and
economic reforms over the past year and his Government’s plans to
accelerate the pace of this reform. In response, Minister
Martin said that Ireland’s approach has been to support EU
enlargement generally as a force for political stability and
economic development and to the role Turkey will play in
this.


Both Ministers reiterated their support for the work of United
Nations Secretary General and his Special Representative in seeking
a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Cyprus issue.


ENDS+++


Press Office


10 March 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:27:21 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to Timor-Leste at meeting with President José Ramos-Horta]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83360</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter
Power, T.D., reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to Timor-Leste at
meeting with President Jos&#233; Ramos-Horta


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D.,
today reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to Timor-Leste, when he met
with President Jos&#233; Ramos-Horta to discuss Ireland’s new four-year
programme of assistance to the country.


Minister Power and President Horta, who is on a two-day State visit
to Ireland, held detailed discussions on Timor-Leste’s development
priorities during their meeting in Leinster House. Irish Aid, the
Government’s programme of assistance to developing countries, is
currently finalising a new development strategy for Timor-Leste
which will run from 2010 to 2013.


Speaking after their meeting today, Minister Power said:


“President Horta and I held a very constructive meeting, which was
focused on the challenges which face Timor-Leste and the support
which Ireland will offer over the coming years. Ireland’s
development programme is closely-aligned with the priorities which
the Government of Timor-Leste has identified.


Ireland’s development programme is focused on building youth
employment, rural infrastructure, gender equality, human rights and
conflict resolution. It also has a strong focus on building
the capacity of local government to strengthen the delivery of
social services.


This year we will provide almost €5 million in support for
Timor-Leste. This includes support for conflict resolution
activities. The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Conflict Resolution
Unit is a peace-building initiative designed to share the lessons
Ireland learned from the conflict in the North with fragile,
post-conflict states.


I am very pleased that our targeted and effective programme
in Timor-Leste incorporates these immediate conflict-resolution
activities with our longer-term development objectives in an
integrated programme which is designed to respond to Timor-Leste’s
needs.


In the years since independence, Timor-Leste has overcome many
challenges, but the needs are still significant. I assured
President Horta and the people of Timor-Leste, that Ireland remains
committed to tackling poverty in their country and supporting them
to build the capacity of their young institutions.”


For further information or to request an interview with Minister
Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid,
the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975


Notes to the editor



Timor-Leste has been an Irish Aid priority country since 2003. The
focus of Ireland’s assistance - which exceeded €30 million between
2003 and 2009 - has been on reducing poverty by improving social
services; strengthening governance and human rights and building
the capacity of the public service.


A new development strategy is currently being drawn up for
Timor-Leste and will run from 2010 to 2013. This year, Ireland will
spend almost €5 million supporting Timor.


Concern and Tr&#243;caire have been active in Timor-Leste for several
years. Since 2006, Irish Aid has provided approximately €2.5
million to support their long-term development programmes in the
country and has provided additional funding for emergency and
humanitarian assistance. Fellowships have also been provided for 8
Timorese students since 2003.


Timor- Leste was selected as the first country for international
engagement by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Conflict
Resolution Unit. This peace-building programme is designed to share
the lessons learned during the conflict in Northern Ireland with
fragile and post-conflict states.






ENDS+++


Press Office


9 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:13:33 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the publication of the Progress Report on the Global Irish Economic Forum]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83359</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn
Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.






Tel:

+353 1 478
0822
Fax:

+353 1 408 2942



Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie

R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l
Martin, T.D., on the


publication of the Progress Report on the Global Irish Economic
Forum


March 2010


I am pleased today to publish a comprehensive progress report on
the steps already taken to implement the proposals made at the
Global Irish Economic Forum, held at Farmleigh on the 18 -20
September 2009. The full text of the Report is available on
the home page of the Department of Foreign Affairs website-
www.dfa.ie


In my closing address to the Forum, I made clear that
the proposals put forward across a range of sectors would be
followed up in detail by the Government. I am now delivering on
that promise.


I assured participants that the extraordinary release of energy,
knowledge and determination that was the hallmark of the Forum
would not be wasted. Today’s report shows that this
has been achieved.


The Government moved quickly to make good on this commitment and,
on 13 October 2009, published a comprehensive
overall report of proceedings at the Forum prepared by my
Department.


The Government also decided to establish a new inter-Departmental
Committee of senior officials to consider and take forward the
range of initiatives identified at Farmleigh.


At its meeting on 23 February, the Government considered a detailed
Progress Report prepared by this Committee and welcomed the
significant success already achieved on the two key original
objectives of the Forum: to explore how the Irish at home and
abroad, and those with a strong interest in Ireland, could work
together and contribute to our overall efforts at economic
recovery; and to examine ways in which Ireland and its global
community could develop a more strategic relationship with each
other, particularly in the economic sector.


The Progress Report summarises the specific areas under thematic
headings where substantial progress is being achieved as part of
the follow up process. This include specific projects
in the areas of: economic policy; engagement with the
Diaspora; culture; innovation; tourism; greentech; international
financial services; and agriculture and food. All of the
initiatives were proposed or discussed at the Forum and featured in
the subsequent Report. Some of the initiatives are of a
nature that they are more effectively progressed by the private
sector and this is reflected in the Progress Report.


It is important to emphasise that the broad economic policy and
call for leadership advocated by many participants at the Forum was
reflected significantly in Budget 2010. The high
priority contained in the Budget to encouraging innovation,
maintaining Ireland as a friendly and supportive environment for
international business, and highlighting emerging strengths in
areas such as renewable energy, green technology, scientific
research and innovation, all reflect the concerns and views put
forward by those present at Farmleigh. An aggressive effort
has been made by the Government to highlight these actions to the
international business community and media and this will be
intensified further during St Patrick’s Day visits abroad by
Government Ministers.


While the Forum was primarily aimed at developing a new and more
strategic level of engagement with the most influential members of
the Irish Diaspora, the wide range of themes and ideas generated
there have complemented the work of the Innovation Task Force and
the implementation of Building Ireland’s Smart
Economy.


I am encouraged by the fact that the deep level of engagement and
support shown by participants at Farmleigh has been reinforced in
their contacts over recent months with the Government.
The Forum has come to be widely regarded as marking a new phase of
active and practical engagement with our overseas communities,
particularly in the business sector.


The recently established Global Irish Network will act as a key
channel of communication with our leading Irish business contacts
abroad and will, for the first time, integrate the most influential
Irish and Irish connected individuals into one global group. The
first in a series of regional meetings of the Network took place in
London on 4 February and others will follow during the coming year.


The wide range of areas outlined in this report where action is
being taken clearly demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment
to advance the work begun at Farmleigh, albeit in the context of
the continued challenges facing our public finances. It is intended
that a further public statement on the progress being achieved in
implementing these initiatives and other aspects of the agenda
identified at the Global Irish Economic Forum will be made later in
2010.


While the follow up process to the Forum has a strong focus on the
business sector, the Government remains equally committed to
supporting the wider Irish community throughout the world,
particularly the vulnerable and elderly. Over the past six years,
some €70 million has been provided under the Emigrant Support
Programme towards projects aimed at supporting the Irish abroad,
especially those most in need. This commitment to supporting and
developing all Irish communities abroad will continue.


I would urge people to read the attached report.


Ends+++


Press Office


8 March 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:59:39 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power underscores the importance of education for women and girls on International Women’s Day]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83349</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha
Preas
R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign Affairs
Press
Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822

Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476


Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie

R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power underscores
the importance of education for women and girls on International
Women’s Day





Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power TD, today
launched the Education for All 2010 Global Monitoring
Report, the UNESCO report which tracks progress on the number of
children being educated around the globe.





The report highlights progress on the number of children attending
school. The number of children out of school has fallen by 33
million since 1999, and the gender gap in primary education is
narrowing in many countries.





The launch, which was hosted by Irish Aid, the Government’s
programme for overseas development, in its Limerick headquarters,
marks International Women’s Day (8th March).





Speaking at the launch of the report, &quot;Reaching and teaching
the mostmarginalized, Minister Power
stressed the importance of sustained investment in education, in
particular for women in the poorest communities in Africa:





“This important report shows that while there has been progress in
narrowing the gap between the numbers of girls and boys that attend
school, being born a girl still carries a significant educational
disadvantage in many countries.





Women still account for nearly two thirds of the world’s adult
illiterate population. In sub-Saharan Africa, where much of
Ireland's aid is targeted, almost 12 million girls are unlikely
ever to enroll in school, compared to 7 million boys.





As we know in Ireland from our own experience, education is key to
sustainable social and economic progress. I am very pleased to note
that in eight of the African countries in which Irish Aid works,
primary enrolment increased by 34 million children between 1970 and
2005, a fivefold increase.





But these figures are only indicators that we’re on the right road.
We still have a significant distance to travel. We know that most
of the 72 million children who are still out of school are in what
is termed the ‘hard-to-reach’ group: AIDS orphans, child laborers
children living in remote areas, children with disabilities and
those of ethnic and linguistic minorities.





Irish Aid provides vital support to one such group in the Karamjoa
district of Uganda. Irish Aid works with the Government to improve
access to basic education for the children of pastoral
farmers. Over the last decade, Uganda, with support from Irish Aid
and others has increased the number of Ugandan children at primary
school from two million to over seven million.”





Minister Power also launched ‘Teachers in Anglophone Africa –
Issues in Teacher Supply, Training and Management, published
as a result of collaboration between Irish Aid and the World Bank.
It was written and researched by Dr. Aidan Mulkeen of National
University of Ireland Maynooth.





Minister Power said:





“This is a testimony to the expertise that Ireland is bringing to
the international education arena – particularly in the area of
improving quality of education.





In advance of the Millennium Development Goals’ Summit in New York
in September; we must remember that it is not enough to get girls
into school. We must ensure that they get a good quality education.
Improving the quality of the education will not just help us reach
the education related Millennium Development goals but will
underpin progress on all the other Millennium Development Goals.”





*Photos will be circulated by Press 22 after the
launch


Notes to the Editors





Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development.
It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further
information visit http://www.irishaid.gov





The launch coincided with a discussion entitled ‘Advancing Girls’
Education’, which was attended by a number of leading education and
gender experts from the World Bank, Global Monitoring Report,
academic institutions, development NGOs and teachers unions.





The Education For All Global Monitoring Report 2010,
outlines progress to date with ensuring that all children have
access to good quality education. Irish Aid contributes, along with
other donors, to the publication of this annual seminal monitoring
tool used by governments and donors alike to measure progress with
achieving internationally agreed education goals. The report
highlights include:


Progress to date


&#183; The number of
children out of school has dropped by 33 million worldwide since
1999.


&#183; The percentage of
girls out of school has declined from 58% to 54%, and the gender gap in
primary education is narrowing in many countries


&#183; Over the course
of the last 25 years, adult literacy rate increased by 10%, to its
current level of 84%. The number of adult women who are literate
has increased at a faster pace than that of males.





Challenges that remain


&#183; Malnutrition
affects around 175 million young children each year. Malnutrition
seriously impacts not only children’s health, but also their
education prospects.


&#183; There were 72
million children out of school in 2007. At current rates, it’s
expected that this number would drop to 56 million by 2015


&#183; Two thirds of the
worlds 759 million adults lacking literacy skills are women





International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the
economic, political and social achievements of women past, present
and future. The first IWD was run in 1911. Next year is IWD Global
Centenary 1911-2011





Irish Aid has nine partner countries, seven of which are in
Sub-Saharan Africa. Irish Aid’s education programmes are focused on
Lesotho, Zambia, Uganda and Mozambique, but programmes in Ethiopia
and South Africa also receive support.





For further information, please contact Maggie Collins, Irish Aid,
the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 086-0659630. For
further information on Irish Aid, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie





ENDS+++


Press Office


8 March 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:17:43 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83342</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Industrial Action in the Passport Service


The Passport Service apologises to customers for the
disruption of service and inconvenience caused by ongoing
industrial action and advises them of the following:


It is no longer possible to guarantee a turnaround time for the
issuing of passports. Projected turnaround times for the issuing of
passports will be posted on the Passport Service website:
   www.passport.ie


The 10 day guarantee for receipt of applications submitted through
the Passport Express service provided by An Post and the Royal Mail
is suspended until further notice.


Passports received through these services will be processed on a
first come first served basis. Applications submitted by Passport
Express are currently being processed between 10 and 15 days of
receipt.


It will not be possible to fast-track any application other than in
a case of genuine family emergency, in which case proof will be
required that travel is necessitated by the death, illness or
welfare of a family member. The issuing of passports in
such emergencies is not affected by the industrial dispute.


The public counters and out of hours services should only be used
by those who have a necessity to travel for reasons of family
emergency.


All other applications should be submitted through the Passport
Express channel.


Customers should retain the barcode number on their passport
application or the customer service number provided by the postal
service and use this number to check the status of their
application on the Passport Service website: www.passport.ie.


The requirement that applicants submit their existing passport with
their application for a new passport has been temporarily suspended
in cases where the current passport has not yet fully
expired. In such cases, customers should include a photocopy
of the personal details pages of the current passport with their
application for a new passport.


Before making any overseas travel plans, customers should check the
expiry dates of their own passport and the passports of persons on
whose behalf they are making bookings. If a passport has
expired or has insufficient validity to allow completion of the
planned journey (bearing in mind that some States require persons
entering their territory to have a minimum remaining validity on
their passport), an application for renewal should be submitted now
and in sufficient time that the new passport can be received before
the intended date of travel.


The current industrial action has seen closure of the public
offices and/or telephone services at short notice. Updates
will therefore only be available on the Passport Service website:
www.passport.ie


Ends+++


4 March 2010


Press Office




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:23:27 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83341</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister Martin will attend the Informal Meeting of EU
Foreign Ministers – ‘Gymnich’ – which will be held in C&#243;rdoba,
Spain on Friday, 5th &amp;amp; Saturday, 6th March.


The ‘Gymnich’ meeting is hosted by each Presidency during their six
monthly term and is informal in nature, allowing for Foreign
Ministers to discuss subjects of particular strategic importance to
the EU’s foreign policy. The meeting will be attended by the EU
Foreign Ministers and High Representative Catherine Ashton and
chaired by Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos.


The Middle East Peace Process will be discussed on Saturday
morning. This will be the first discussion on the MEPP since the
December Council, which adopted substantive Conclusions, and the
first since Catherine Ashton was appointed as High Representative.


The Minister will take the opportunity to brief partners on his
visit to Cairo and Gaza, the first to Gaza by a European Union
Foreign Minister since February 2009, very shortly after the
conflict.


Ministers will also discuss the plans for the formation of the new
External Action Service and EU policy towards emerging countries
such as China, India and Brazil.


The Foreign Ministers of Croatia, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia will meet with the EU Ministers on Saturday
afternoon to review developments in the Western Balkans and Bosnia
Herzegovina.


Ends+++


4 March 2010


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:44:00 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs addresses UN Disarmament Conference ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83338</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
In a wide-ranging address to the UN Conference on Disarmament in
Geneva, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D.,
today emphasised that disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear
weapons remain high priority issues for Ireland.


The Minister referred to the adoption of the Convention on Cluster
Munitions (CCM) in Dublin in 2008.The entry into force of the CCM
on 1 August will open a new phase of work, with a focus on
implementation and working towards its universal adoption. 


The Minister noted that we are already assisting the Lao PDR
Government in its preparations for the first Meeting of States
Parties to the CCM in Vientiane later this year and had provided an
Irish member of staff to support this work. He confirmed that
Ireland would make a substantial contribution to the Lao PDR
Cluster Munitions Trust Fund when it is established shortly.


The Minister spoke of the impact of armed violence on human
security, sustainable development and implementation of the
Millennium Development Goals. He stated that the Irish
Government attaches a high priority to practical initiatives on the
ground and in the past five years had spent over €27 million to
make genuine differences to people’s daily lives through armed
violence prevention and reduction strategies.


On nuclear disarmament, the Minister recalled that this week marks
the anniversary of a proud moment in Irish and international
history, with the fortieth anniversary next Friday, 5 March, of the
entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons (NPT). In 1958, Frank Aiken T.D., then Minister for
External Affairs, introduced the first of a series of UN
resolutions which called for prevention of the further
dissemination of nuclear weapons. This ultimately led to adoption
of the NPT, which has diminished the spectre of a nuclear war.


The Minister stated that the outcome of the 2010 NPT Review
Conference in New York next May should make it crystal clear that
we are on an irreversible path to achieve the aims set out so
clearly over forty years ago. He pledged that Ireland will
play its part in the negotiations in May, which should reduce the
number and role of nuclear weapons in existence. The Minister
also said that we face very serious and different proliferation
risks, particularly from Iran and the DPRK. These must be tackled
seriously


Note for Editors


The full text of the Minister’s Statement is available here.








NPT


The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)opened for
signature on 1 July 1968 in London, Moscow and Washington and
entered into force on 5 March 1970. The NPT Review Conference
will take place in New York from 3-28 May 2010. It will review the
implementation of the Treaty since the last Review Conference in
2005, which was widely perceived as a failure, and will look ahead
to the future. From Ireland’s perspective, a successful NPT Review
Conference) in 2010 would constitute agreement on a balanced,
consensual and forward-looking package of decisions across all
three pillars of the Treaty and on the Middle East resolution,
which calls for the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in
the Middle East.





Conference on Disarmament


The Conference on Disarmament (CD) wasestablished in 1979 and
is the only multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the
international community. Ireland became a memberin 1999. In
May 2009, after a gap of some twelve years,the CD adopted a
programme of work but has failed to make further progress because
of Pakistani reluctance to open negotiations on a treaty banning
the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other
nuclear explosive devices (FMCT).





ENDS+++


Press Office


2 March 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:43:07 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83333</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Industrial Action in the Passport Offices


Due to ongoing industrial action in the Passport Offices, it is not
currently possible to guarantee the turnaround time for passport
services.


In light of this action customers are advised to check now the
expiry date of their passport and submit applications as soon as
possible.


The Passport Service would like to apologise for the inconvenience
caused by this disruption and to assure customers that emergency
passport services are not affected.


Customers are advised to check for updates on the Passport Service
website: www.passport.ie


Ends+++


26 February 2010


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:27:21 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D, Condemns Derry Killing]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83332</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D, Condemns
Derry Killing





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., has
today condemned the paramilitary-style killing of a man last night
on the outskirts of Derry city. The Minister commented:





“I condemn this brutal murder unreservedly. The shocking
manner in which the remains of the deceased were left on the road
side is especially reprehensible. My sympathy is with the family
and friends of the deceased at this terrible time.





Their grief reminds us that there can be no possible justification
for this disgusting killing. Those who carry out such acts
speak for no one and offer nothing but fear and hatred. I stand
with the people of Derry in demanding that these criminal
activities cease immediately. Violence or the threat of violence
have no place in our democratic society





Anyone with any information relating to this killing should report
it to the police.”





ENDS+++


Press Office


25 February 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:22:40 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Shelter is vital necessity in Haiti - Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power announces significant funding for shelter in Haiti  ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83331</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Shelter is vital necessity in Haiti


Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power announces
significant funding for shelter in Haiti





The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power
T.D., today announced a further €1 million in funding to support
the international response to the earthquake in Haiti.





The funding will be channelled through the United Nations and
international humanitarian organisations which are tasked with
providing urgently-needed shelter and child protection services for
those affected by the disaster of January 12.





This €1 million is in addition to €3 million in assistance which
the Government has already committed to Haiti. This included €2
million in direct emergency funding to the United Nations, Red
Cross and Irish aid agencies, including Concern, Haven and World
Vision, and two consignments of emergency humanitarian aid,
totalling 130 tonnes, which were provided to Concern, Goal and
Tr&#243;caire for distribution on the ground.





Announcing the funding today, Minister Power said:


“This is a very challenging crisis, which requires a targeted and
well-coordinated response by the international community. The UN
has issued an emergency appeal for $1.4 billion to respond to
life-saving and early recovery needs in Haiti over the next twelve
months. In light of this appeal, and the enormous
humanitarian needs on the ground, I have decided to increase Irish
Aid’s support to the emergency response by €1 million.





The funding pledged today will assist our partners to meet the
pressing needs of the Haitian people in a number of priority areas,
including the provision of shelter. This is absolutely vital
now as the rainy season approaches and some 1.2 million people in
dire need of shelter.


The funding of €1 million will also support cash-for-work schemes
which will provide payment to local people in exchange for work to
assist the recovery effort. This will support the Haitian
people to rebuild their lives and lay the foundations for the
difficult road to recovery which lies ahead.”





Minister Power also paid tribute to the many humanitarian workers
who are leading the recovery effort, including six members of
Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps who have deployed to the country.


“I wish to recognise the tireless efforts of those in the
international humanitarian community and among Haitian society, who
have been working so hard to alleviate the suffering of the
hundreds of thousands affected by this terrible earthquake.


“They can be assured that Ireland, in close cooperation with our
partners in the UN, EU and US, is committed to ensuring that
Haiti’s recovery is sustainable and led by its own people.”





Notes to the editor





•Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas
assistance. It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs.


•Today’s announcement is in addition to €2 million in direct
funding which has been provided to the Concern, World Vision,
Haven, the International Federation of the Red Cross and UN
agencies, including the World Food Programme.


•The Government has supplied 130 tonnes of emergency
humanitarian aid which was distributed in Haiti by Concern, Goal
and Tr&#243;caire. The supplies provided more than 12,000 families with
shelter and basic sanitation equipment.


•Irish Aid maintains the Rapid Response Corps, a register of
130 highly-skilled individuals who are willing to be deployed at
short notice to assist in an emergency relief effort. Six members
have deployed to Haiti since the disaster struck.


•Ireland contributed €20 million to the United Nation's
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73
million since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami.
The CERF provides immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in
a crisis such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest
donor to this fund.





For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975. For further information on Irish Aid, visit
www.irishaid.gov.ie


ENDS+++


Press Office


25 February 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:09:51 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs Visits Gaza]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83330</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Minister for Foreign Affairs Visits Gaza





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., will
tomorrow travel to Gaza.





Announcing his visit, Minister Martin stated:





“My purpose in visiting Gaza is humanitarian, in order to assess
for myself the conditions obtaining for Gaza’s population in light
of the completely unacceptable blockade imposed on the Strip for
some two-and-a-half years now.





I have repeatedly expressed my serious concerns over the situation
in Gaza and called for an end to the unjust blockade imposed
against its population.





My visit will provide an invaluable opportunity to examine the
vital humanitarian work being undertaken by the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza and which Irish Aid is
actively supporting. The Irish public is well aware and extremely
proud of the tremendous contribution made by UNRWA and its
Irish-born Director of Operations, John Ging, to maintaining
humanitarian services for the people of Gaza. I am looking forward
to seeing UNRWA’s operations at first hand.”





Minister Martin continued:





“My visit is being undertaken in close coordination with UNRWA and
I would like to express my appreciation for their assistance in
organising my visit. I would also like to express my thanks and
personal appreciation to Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit and the
Egyptian government who have agreed to facilitate my entry into
Gaza from Egypt.”





During his one-day visit to Gaza, Minister Martin will visit an
UNRWA school and an UNRWA food distribution centre in Rafah as well
as visiting an industrial site in Karni and travelling to UNRWA’s
operational HQ in Gaza city. Minister Martin will also meet with
local Palestinian human rights defenders while visiting Gaza City.





ENDS+++


Press Office


24 February 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:49:52 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin deplores Newry bomb]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83328</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Minister Martin deplores Newry bomb





Deploring last night’s car bomb attack in the centre of Newry, the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., said:





“This was a reckless, cowardly, criminal act which put at grave
risk the lives of the community in Newry. This attack cannot
be justified or excused. Its only purpose was to inflict
suffering. Its perpetrators have no mandate or legitimacy.





The clearly expressed will of the people of this island, north and
south, is that there should be peace and stability. This was
reaffirmed a fortnight ago at Hillsborough, in the presence of the
Taoiseach and Prime Minister Brown, when the First and deputy First
Ministers, on behalf of their parties, agreed a timetable for
devolving policing and justice powers from Westminster to the
Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as a way forward on a range of
sensitive issues.





That objective of consolidating partnership politics rightly
remains our focus. The two Governments, and the political parties,
will not be distracted from this course by a small criminal
minority who seek to drag Northern Ireland into the mire of hatred
and violence.”





ENDS+++


Press Office


23 February 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:39:29 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs to Visit Egypt]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83324</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release


Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.


Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Minister for Foreign Affairs to Visit Egypt


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., will
travel tomorrow evening to Cairo on a visit which will include
meetings with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
While in Cairo, Minister Martin will also meet with the Secretary
General of the Arab League, Mr. Amr Moussa.


“Egypt is playing a vital role in current efforts to revive the
Middle East Peace Process and facilitate a re-launch of direct
negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. I am looking
forward very much to discussing these issues with Foreign Minister
Aboul Gheit and also receiving an Egyptian assessment of the
current situation in Gaza, about which I have consistently made
known my strong concerns regarding the continued unacceptable
blockade imposed against that territory.”


Minister Martin continued:


“Both Ireland and Egypt share concerns about the urgent need for
political progress in the Middle East and particularly in relation
to a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. I value very much our consultations with Foreign Minister
Aboul Gheit and the Egyptian Government and look forward to this
opportunity to pursue our long-standing political dialogue with
Egypt, and to discuss economic and trade issues.


I am similarly looking forward to discussing developments
throughout the wider Middle East region with Arab League Secretary
General Amr Moussa. The Arab League is making an extremely
important contribution to efforts at promoting political progress
in the region, in particular through the Arab Peace Initiative
launched in 2002”.


Minister Martin’s visit to Cairo builds on an earlier visit in July
2008, when he met also with Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit and
Secretary General Moussa. Minister Martin and Foreign Minister
Aboul Gheit also met briefly in March 2009 at the Gaza
Reconstruction Conference which the Egyptian Government hosted in
Sharm-el-Sheik.


ENDS+++


Press Office


Department of Foreign Affairs


22 February 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:12:33 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83322</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, T.D.
welcomes the adoption of a Declaration and Action Plan on the
future of the European Court of Human Rights at the Ministerial
Conference in Interlaken, Switzerland


The Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, T.D. today attended
the High Level Conference at Interlaken, Switzerland on the future
of the European Court of Human Rights. The conference has
been organised by Switzerland, which is currently chairing the
Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.


One of the main driving factors for having the conference is the
backlog of cases currently facing the European Court of Human
Rights which now stands at over 100,000 - many of which are
repetitive cases or are inadmissible.


The Conference adopted a Declaration and Action Plan to establish a
road map for the future of the Court.


Speaking at the Conference on the future of the European Court of
Human Rights, at Interlaken, Switzerland, Minister Roche
said:


“We are all beneficiaries of the human rights culture nurtured by
the Convention and the Court. As such we have a
responsibility to ensure there is no further deterioration in the
current crisis faced by the Court with its overwhelming
backlog. Today should mark the beginning of a commitment,
anchored in national administrations, to support and strengthen the
full implementation of the Convention system at every level.”


Concluding his statement, the Minister said:


“We are pleased that there will be a timetable for future
work. I hope that this will not only be respected but
accelerated. Much reflection by distinguished personalities
and groups has already been devoted to the better operation of the
Court. We must now build on that work and make positive
action our keyword.”


Note for Editors


Continued reform of the European Court of Human Rights is a high
priority for the current Swiss Chairmanship of the Committee of
Ministers.


Attached below is the Minister’s statement and the adopted
Declaration and Action Plan.


ENDS+++


Press Section


Department of Foreign Affairs


18 February 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:36:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83321</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power
announces a recruitment drive for Ireland’s Rapid Response
Corps


Haiti emergency underlines the importance of Rapid Response Corps


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power TD today
launched a recruitment drive for the Irish Aid Rapid Response
Corps.


The Rapid Response Corps (RRC) is a roster of skilled and
experienced volunteers available to deploy at short notice to
humanitarian emergencies anywhere in the world. Corps members are
deployed to Irish Aid’s humanitarian partners, providing
specialised skills essential to their emergency operations.


“Since the Rapid Response Corps was first launched in 2007, there
have been 67 deployments to humanitarian emergencies in 23
countries. Corps members are making a valuable contribution to
saving lives and rebuilding the livelihoods of people affected by
emergencies around the world”, said Minister Power.


A further two members of the Rapid Response Corps travelled to
Haiti this weekend, bringing the number currently deployed in the
country to six.


“These highly-skilled volunteers are making a crucial contribution
to the international recovery effort and working hard to respond to
the needs of those affected by the devastating earthquake of
January 12,” Minister Power said.


Three of the six RRC members – an ICT expert, an electrical
engineer and a civil engineer – are working with the UN World Food
Programme (WFP). Another is providing support to the civil military
coordination function of the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA). Two logisticians are working respectively with Irish aid
agencies, Concern and Goal.


“While we have deployed six Corps members to Haiti since the
earthquake, there are 11 other members serving in Afghanistan,
Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya,
Philippines, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Sudan.


Minister Power also announced that he has approved €1 million in
funding to finance the operation of the Corps in 2010.


“This will support the recruitment, training and deployment of RRC
members in 2010, including our ongoing operation in Haiti.


“We are seeking experienced logisticians, public health and
humanitarian coordination experts and engineers, particularly those
with a water and sanitation background. We are also keen to recruit
volunteers with a second language and French speakers are
particularly in demand”.


“This year, there is also a focus on civil-military coordination
experts, an area of expertise in which I believe Ireland can
develop a niche. I also want to recruit information management
experts. We have seen - most recently in Haiti - that experts who
can collate, analyse, map and present accessible information in
emergencies are very much in demand among our humanitarian
partners,” Minister Power said.


“For Irish Aid, the Corps has become an increasingly
important means of responding to international emergencies”, he
said.


Profiles of the six RRC members and photographs for download are
available at: http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/article.asp?article=1557


Information about the Rapid Response Cops, the recruitment process
and the full list of skills profiles being recruited, is available
on the Irish Aid website: http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/Rapid_Response_Initiative.asp


The closing date for applications is March 5, 2010.


For further information or to arrange an interview with Minister
Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid,
the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975.


Ends+++


21 February 2010


Press Office







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:02:10 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin promotes Irish graduate jobs in EU Institutions  ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83314</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476


Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ieR&#237;omh
Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister Martin promotes Irish graduate jobs in EU
Institutions





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., has
encouraged Irish graduates to apply for new positions that will
shortly be available in the European Union
Institutions.


It is expected that over a thousand positions will be offered
annually to graduates from across the EU to work as administrators,
linguists and support staff in the EU institutions. 





Speaking at a seminar organised today by the Department of Foreign
Affairs for the career services of the third level colleges, the
Minister highlighted the new opportunities for graduates which will
become available in March.





“Since our accession in 1973, Ireland has provided many
distinguished European public servants at the highest levels.
Ireland and Europe have benefited from the competence and
dedication of our country men and women who work in the EU. It is
of the greatest importance that Irish candidates have the necessary
information and support to compete effectively and take full
advantage of the exciting opportunities on offer. This seminar will
help the career services of our higher education institutes in
guiding suitable candidates towards these prestigious careers.”





The Minister also stressed the importance to Ireland of a balanced
national representation within the EU institutions





“It is also in Ireland’s interest that Irish graduates have an
equal opportunity to work for the European Union with the prospect
of advancing, through their own merits, to the very highest levels
of the EU’s administration. The Lisbon Treaty means that the work
of the institutions will grow in importance in the coming years. A
Union of twenty seven or more States will be increasingly dependent
on efficient and dedicated international staff. I am firmly
committed to ensuring that Ireland continues to encourage and
assist young Irish people to play their part in the development of
the European project. An Irish presence of this kind will be an
important way of ensuring that we hold the position at the heart of
Europe for which the people voted when they ratified the Lisbon
Treaty.”





Further information about the European Union is available at
www.eumatters.ie





Information on career opportunities for graduates and non graduates
will also be available on the web site of the European Personnel
Selection Office http://europa.eu/epso/index_en.htm.





Ends+++


18 February 2010


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:33:40 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83313</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland


The Israeli Ambassador was invited to the Department of Foreign
Affairs this morning by Minister Martin where he met with the
Secretary General, Mr David Cooney and the Assistant Secretary in
charge of the Passport Office, Mr Ray Bassett.


The main issue raised was the fraudulent use of Irish passports by
persons believed to have committed a murder in Dubai. Details were
provided to the Ambassador of the fake passports and the Israeli
authorities were requested to provide whatever information and
assistance they could in this matter.


It was stressed that, regardless of who was responsible, the
Government takes grave exception to the forgery and misuse of Irish
passports which could devalue the standing of the passports and
potentially put at risk the safety of Irish citizens travelling
abroad.


The Ambassador said that he had no information on the matter and
would relay the messages he had received to his authorities.


Ends+++


Press Office


18 February 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:12:08 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin calls on the Northern Ireland parties ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83312</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 
Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
 R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail:
press.office@dfa.ie





Minister Martin calls on the Northern Ireland parties


to implement the Hillsborough Agreement.





Speaking during this evening’s Seanad debate on Northern Ireland,
the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mich&#225;el Martin T.D.,
said:





“I want to use this opportunity this evening, to call on all of
the parties in Northern Ireland to seize this opportunity to break
the cycle of stop-start implementation of these agreements. I
am confident that the public consultation process that the First
and deputy first Minister have just launched will demonstrate that
the vast majority of people in the North want their political
leaders to take forward, with confidence and determination, this
latest agreement and implement it in full and on time. If I
can add to Sammy Wilson’s phrase, this needs to be a “Made and
Implemented in Ulster” deal.”


The Minister also paid tribute to the political leadership that
made the deal possible:


“It still takes considerable political will and leadership to
reach out beyond the comfort zones on either side to occupy the
shared space where progress and accommodation is to be found.
That political will and leadership re-emerged during the long hours
we all spent in Hillsborough, and I pay tribute and give full
credit to the Sinn F&#233;in and DUP negotiating teams for that
achievement.


I urge them to continue to work more closely with the other
parties in future proposals for improvement”


[A full copy of the statement is available at http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=25067
]





ENDS+++


Press Office


17 February 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:37:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by Minister Martin on the use of fake Irish passports in Dubai]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83310</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 
Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
 R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail:
press.office@dfa.ie





Statement by Minister Martin on the use of fake Irish passports
in Dubai


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mich&#225;el Martin T.D, announced
this evening that further information has been received from the
authorities in the United Arab Emirates concerning reports of the
use of fake Irish passports in Dubai. This new information,
provided by the UAE to the Irish Ambassador, Ciar&#225;n Madden,
confirms that the passports used were fraudulent.


The new information also includes additional material relating to
the passport numbers. This indicates that genuine Irish passport
numbers were used. These numbers correspond to actual numbers on
three legitimate Irish passports. However, the identities of the
persons recorded on the forged passports do not correspond to those
recorded on the valid passports carrying the same numbers.


The Department of Foreign Affairs is urgently endeavouring to
contact the three Irish citizens who hold or have held passports
containing these numbers. The Minister requested that the privacy
of the three individuals concerned be respected.


The Minister for Foreign Affairs regards any activity which would
jeopardise the integrity of the Irish passport as extremely
serious.


The Minister added “our passport is widely regarded and respected
throughout the world as being of the highest quality. We have
invested very heavily in extra security features so that our
citizens can travel in safety. Actions, which endanger our well
earned reputation in this area, have the potential to affect the
security of all our citizens travelling overseas. I am determined
to maintain the good name of Irish passports. The Department is
liaising closely with the UAE authorities and with the Garda&#237; on
the matter.”


The Department, through its Embassies in London, Paris and Berlin
will be in contact with the authorities in these countries with a
view to working with them in this investigation.


ENDS+++


Press Office


17 February 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:07:06 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[New Ambassadors present Credentials]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83308</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








New Ambassadors present Credentials





Their Excellencies the Ambassador of the
Republic of South Africa, the Ambassador of the United Arab
Emirates, the Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
and the Ambassador of Colombia presented their Letters of Credence
to the President at &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in today.





H.E. Mr. Azwindini Jeremiah Dingaan Ndou was accompanied by his
three children, Andani, Panashe and Khuliso Ndou and by Ms.
Antoinette Rademan, Counsellor at the Embassy.





H.E. Mr. Khalid Nasser Rashid Lootah was accompanied by Ms. Agnes
Yousef, Administrative Attach&#233; at the Embassy.





H.E. Mr. Nestor Julio Moreira was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Ana
Medina de Moreira.





H.E. Mr. Mauricio Rodr&#237;guez M&#250;nera was accompanied by his wife,
Mrs. Sugey Pinzon and Mr. Camilo Andres Galvis, Minister Counsellor
at the Embassy.





Mr. Dara Calleary, T.D. Minister for Labour Affairs, represented
the Government at the ceremony.





The following were also present: Mr. Tim O’Connor,
Secretary-General to the President, Mr. David Donoghue, Assistant
Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joe Brennan,
Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mr. Kieran Dowling, Deputy Chief of
Protocol, Ms. Marion O’Donnell, Assistant Chief of Protocol and Ms.
Jane Connolly, Assistant Chief of Protocol, at the Department of
Foreign Affairs.





The Ambassadors were escorted to and from &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in by an
Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from
the 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks under the command
of Lieutenant Claire Mortimer.





The Guard of Honour was provided at &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in by troops
drawn from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Sarsfield
Barracks, Limerick, under the command of Lieutenant Andrew Brady.





The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Captain Fergal Carroll.





ENDS+++


Press Office


17 February 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:30:36 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83307</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power
calls for urgent international action to tackle hunger


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power TD, today
called for renewed international efforts to eradicate hunger ahead
of a major summit on the Millennium Development Goals.


Speaking at a meeting of EU Development Ministers in Spain today,
Minister Power said:


“It is essential that the eradication of hunger lies at the heart
of all our development efforts. We must acknowledge that it is
simply unacceptable that more than one billion people in the world
are now hungry.


“At the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit in September, we
will be two-thirds of the way to 2015, the date the international
community set ourselves to halve the number of people suffering
from hunger. There has been some success since 2000, but the impact
of the global economic crisis has affected our progress.


“Achieving the MDG of halving the number of people suffering from
hunger will require a concerted international effort to accord
hunger the priority it deserves. We need a comprehensive approach
that is focused on agricultural growth and improving maternal and
infant nutrition,” Minister Power said.


“Ireland has put a special emphasis on hunger right across our aid
programme. I have made tackling hunger a cornerstone of our
programme; committed to spending 20% of our budget on hunger
eradication and related activities by 2012 and I have appointed a
Special Envoy for Hunger to support and advise us on how to realise
that commitment.


“I am determined to focus relentlessly on the eradication of hunger
and Ireland is committed to playing a very active role in advancing
real and sustainable solutions to this enduring crisis, in
particular in the lead up to the MDG Summit in New York next
September,” he said.


“Since the launch of the report of the Hunger Task Force, Ireland
has been a vocal advocate for tackling global hunger. We are proud
of the role we are playing and we will continue to speak out for
the hungry.


At the two-day meeting in La Granja, Spain, Development Ministers
will also discuss the EU’s ongoing response to the earthquake in
Haiti and measures to make aid more effective.


For further information or to arrange an interview with Minister of
State Peter Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, Press Officer,
Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or
087-9099975


Notes for the editor


Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas assistance. It
is a division of the Department for Foreign Affairs. For further
information see www.irishaid.gov.ie


The Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) are eight international
development goals which were agreed by UN member states and the
world’s leading development institutions in 2000. They range from
halving the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger
to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary
education, all by 2015. For further information see
   http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/index.shtml


A summit to review progress and expedite action on the Millennium
Development Goals will be held in New York in September


Ends+++


17 February 2010


Press Office







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:35:19 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., welcomes significant progress towards implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83306</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., welcomes
significant progress towards implementation of the Convention on
Cluster Munitions





Thirty States have now ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions
(CCM), adopted at the Dublin Diplomatic Conference in May
2008. The CCM will thus enter into force on 1 August
2010, six months after deposit of the thirtieth ratification.






Minister Martin said:





“The adoption of the Convention on Cluster Munitions by over 100
States at the Dublin Diplomatic Conference in May 2008 was a
landmark moment. Ireland was among the first States to sign
and ratify the CCM when it opened for signature in Oslo just over a
year ago. We reached another crucial milestone yesterday with the
achievement of ratification by 30 States, triggering
entry-into-force of the Convention on 1 August next. 





We have now entered a new phase of work where the focus must be on
implementation, not least in relation to victim assistance and
clearance, and on working towards universal adoption of the CCM. I
am pleased that even before its entry-into-force, the Convention
has had a strong effect internationally on stigmatising the
retention and use of these terrible and indiscriminate weapons.
This is a vital step along the way to achieving the Convention’s
objectives.





Ireland will continue to take a leading role in this work. The Lao
People’s Democratic Republic has kindly offered to host the first
Meeting of States Parties in Vientiane in late 2010 and we are
already working to support Lao PDR in its preparations for that
meeting, including by providing an Irish member of staff for its
support unit.





Through our diplomatic network and bilateral contacts we are
actively promoting the universal adoption of the Convention.
Funding of €250,000 has also been committed to the Cluster Munition
Coalition (CMC), the umbrella NGO organization, to support its work
to promote the Convention in 2010.”





Note for the Editor





+A cluster munition is a conventional munition that is designed to
disperse or release explosive submunitions, each weighing less than
20 kilograms, and includes those explosive sub-munitions. Many such
submunitions fail to go off, causing continuing casualties long
after conflicts have ended. Cluster munitions have been used since
World War II, most extensively in Laos and Cambodia during the
1960s but also more recently in Lebanon and Iraq.





+Ireland hosted the May 2008 Diplomatic Conference in Dublin, which
adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and was one of the
first 4 countries to sign and ratify the Convention when it opened
for signature in Oslo on 3 December 2008.





+ The heart of the Convention is an immediate and unconditional ban
on the use, development, production, acquisition, stockpiling,
retention or transfer of all cluster munitions which cause
unacceptable harm to civilians. The Convention also sets new
standards for assistance to victims/survivors.





ENDS+++


Press Office


17 February 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:16:50 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83297</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister Martin promotes Irish Aid’s First Volunteering
Fair in Cork


Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas development programme, is
hosting a major overseas volunteering fair in Cork this week (20th
February, 2010) to highlight long and short-term volunteering
opportunities.


Minister Martin will host the event which features twenty-two
organisations and will take place at Devere Hall, in the student
centre of the main campus of University College Cork from 11am to
4pm. The fair is free and open to the public.


Speaking ahead of the fair, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr.
Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., said:


&quot;I would encourage anyone interested in overseas volunteering to
come along. This event provides the perfect opportunity for
individuals who want to get involved in volunteering abroad to
discuss their options with volunteer-sending organisations and to
gather the practical information they need to make a more informed
decision.


&quot;Events such as this
alsopromotecooperationbetween organisations
involved in volunteering. The health and safety of development
workers and volunteers overseas is of crucial concern and it is
very important that volunteers are organised and managed in a
professional manner. The Volunteering Fair will showcase the Code
of Good Practice for Sending Organisations which supports
organisations that adhere to best practice in managing and working
with volunteers.&quot;


Among the organisations represented at the fair will be local
volunteering organisations including ACARA, Chernobyl Children's
Project International, EIL Intercultural Learning, Friends of
Londiani, Haven, Presentation Volunteer Programme, Serve and
Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles. Visitors to the Fair will have an
opportunity to meet with representatives of the organisations and
past volunteers, and attend workshops on volunteering options. In
addition, staff from a range of organisations will give
presentations on their work, the skills they are seeking and the
opportunities available.


This will be the first time Irish Aid has organised an Overseas
Volunteering Fair in the Munster area.


Note to Editors:


The volunteering fair runs on Saturday, February 20th from 11am to
4pm in the Devere Hall, Student Centre, Main Campus, and University
College Cork. It is free and open to the public.


For further information on the fair and volunteering, visit
   www.irishaid.gov.ie
   orphone or e-mailthe Irish Aid Volunteering and
   Information Centre,Lo Call 1890 252 676/email irishaidcentre@dfa.ie


In addition to Irish Aid, the following volunteering organisations
will have information stands at the Fair:


ACARA


Chernobyl Children's Project International


Comhl&#225;mh


EIL Intercultural Learning


Friends from Ireland


Friends of Londiani


Global Schoolroom


Habitat for Humanity


Haven


Hope Foundation


Niall Mellon Township Trust


Presentation Volunteer Programme


Serve


Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles


Skillshare International Ireland


Suas


UCC


USIT


Viatores Christi


Vincentian Lay Missionaries


Voluntary Service International (VSI)


Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)


This will be the third time Irish Aid has hosted an overseas
volunteering fair. In 2009, two successful Volunteering Fairs were
held on the 18th of April and 26th of September in the Irish Aid
Volunteering and Information Centre, O’Connell St., Dublin. Nearly
700 members of the public attended.


The Code of Good Practice for Sending Organisations promotes best
practice in volunteering. Those organisations which have signed up
to the Code undertake to run high quality and structured
volunteering programmes that are driven primarily by the needs of
the host communities. Under the Code, the volunteer programmes will
be based on realistic aims and objectives, with appropriate and
useful volunteer roles. It also addresses such issues as volunteer
preparation, training, child protection, health and safety of
volunteers, monitoring and evaluation. This Code of Good Practice
can be found at:


http://www.volunteeringoptions.org


For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975.


ENDS+++


Press Office


14 February 2010




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:25:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83291</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Minister Martin announces support for your efforts to raise
awareness of how the EU matters in your community


The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., today
invited applications for funding from voluntary organisations and
education bodies who are interested in raising awareness about how
the European Union matters in their community.


Consideration will also be given to proposals for events, large or
small, that are organised to celebrate Europe Day. Europe Day,
which takes place on 9 May each year, is an opportunity for
citizens throughout Europe to celebrate the EU’s achievements and
to reflect upon the Union’s aim to promote peace, its values and
the well-being of its peoples.


Minister Martin said:


“Last October, the Irish people wholeheartedly reaffirmed their
desire for Ireland to remain at the heart of Europe. Voluntary
organisations and education bodies played a vital role in raising
awareness of how the EU matters in their communities and supporting
their efforts continues to be a key priority for me.


I look forward to receiving applications under this year’s
Communicating Europe Initiative. Events commemorating Europe Day on
9 May are a great way for Irish citizens to join with their fellow
Europeans in celebrating the achievements of the EU and I am
delighted that such events are among those that can be supported
under the Communicating Europe Initiative.”


Note to Editors:


The Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) was established in 1995
to raise awareness about the European Union and to improve the
quality and accessibility of public information on European
issues. The Department of Foreign Affairs administers the
funding and the closing date for the receipt of applications for
the current round of funding is 5 March 2010. Application
forms and further details are available from our website:
www.eumatters.ie or by contacting:


Ms Maura Duffy,


EU Division,


Department of Foreign Affairs,


76-78 Harcourt Street,


Dublin2,


Tel 01 408 2500


E-mail maura.duffy@dfa.ie


Ends+++


11 February 2010


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:10:51 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin welcomes the new European Commission]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83286</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie








Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin T.D.,


welcomes the new European Commission





The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., has
welcomed today’s vote by the European Parliament giving its consent
to the new European Commission.





The Minister said the new Commission, which will now be formally
appointed by the European Council, will be the first under Lisbon
Treaty. The Treaty was designed to equip the European
Union to meet today’s global challenges. Over the next five
years, the Commission, under its President Jose Manuel Barroso,
will play a central role in Europe’s efforts to create jobs and
growth in Europe. The Minister offered his best wishes to the
Commission President on behalf of the Government and he said that
Ireland will work closely to support the new Commission in this
vital task.





The Minister extended his personal congratulations to Commissioner
M&#225;ire Geoghegan-Quinn, the first Irishwoman to serve as a European
Commissioner. Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn holds an important
portfolio, including responsibility for Research and
Innovation. Minister Martin said innovation, supported by
scientific research and technological development, will underpin
the creation of more and better jobs in Europe.





Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn has responsibility for the European
Union’s research programme which provides €53Bn. in funding for
research in Europe from 2007 to 2013. A target of €600million
in EU research funding to Irish researchers and enterprises has
been set for the period 2007-2013. As Commissioner for Research and
Innovation, M&#225;ire Geoghegan-Quinn will now play a key role in
preparing the Commission’s proposals for future research funding
from 2014 to 2020.





Minister Martin said that “As the first Irishwoman in the
Commission, M&#225;ire Geoghegan-Quinn will be a strong and effective
voice in an area that is vital to Ireland’s future economic
growth.”





Note for Editors:





The European Parliament voted today by 488 votes to 137, with 72
abstentions, to give its consent to the new European
Commission. Following this vote, the European Council will
formally appoint the new Commission by a written procedure which is
due to be completed later today.





Ends+++


09 February 2010


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:25:20 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin Launches the Global Irish Network]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83255</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mich&#225;el Martin has officially
launched the government’s Global Irish Network.


Speaking at the launching event in the Irish Embassy in London this
afternoon Minister Martin said:


“At the Global Irish Economic Forum, I proposed that a new
Global Irish Network would be established, through which Government
could maintain and develop its relationship with the global Irish
business community. I am now delivering on this commitment.


The establishment of The Global Irish Network will honour the
Government’s commitment at Farmleigh to listen to and work with
those who, though mainly resident abroad, continue to have a strong
interest and stake in Ireland and its progress.”


The Global Irish Network brings together for the first time some
280 individuals from different regions and different sectors, who
all share a strong connection to Ireland and have a record of high
achievement in international business or have assisted in
the promotion of Ireland abroad through their prominence in the
cultural or sporting worlds.”


Following the Press Conference, Minister Martin chaired the first
meeting of the British-based members of the Network, and announced
his intention to organise a series of such regional meetings with
members of The Global Irish Network over the coming period.


The Minister added:


“I look forward to working closely with Network Members whose
diversity of experience and achievement reflects the vibrancy of
the global Irish and their strong sense of ingenuity, ambition and
imagination.


I am delighted to launch the Network here in Britain, Ireland’s
closest neighbour and most important trading partner, a country
with a thriving, diverse and influential Irish community”.


The Minister outlined the purpose and remit of the Network:


The main objectives of the Network are:



to maintain and develop the relationship established at Farmleigh
between the Government and the most influential members
of the global Irish business community. While our Embassies
and State Agencies have actively maintained local business and
community networks in individual countries and regions, the Global
Irish Network will, for the first time, integrate the most
influential Irish connected individuals into one global group;


to act as an additional resource for the Irish business community,
the Government and State Agencies in promoting Ireland’s
economic, cultural and tourism messages in key markets;


to facilitate greater strategic and practical interaction between
Ireland and leading business figures within the global Irish
community;


to provide a forum through which successful Irish business and
cultural figures abroad can interact with each other;


to keep the members informed of key developments in the economic
and cultural sector in Ireland and of Government policy. This
will be achieved through the Network’s website (www.globalirishforum.ie) and
by regular meetings of the members within each country or region to
be chaired by the Ambassador;


to ensure that the Government is kept fully informed of the views
and ideas of our key Irish-connected contacts abroad;


to provide a formal forum through which members can exchange views
and take forward practical initiatives;


to facilitate new business opportunities for Ireland and Irish
business sectors.”






Note for the Editor:


The Network will be managed and coordinated by a Secretariat within
the Department of Foreign Affairs with Ambassadors also playing a
key role in directing and organising the members based within their
area of responsibility.


The regional Network events will provide an opportunity for the
Minister for Foreign Affairs and other members of the Government to
brief members on the current economic situation in Ireland and the
progress made in taking forward the initiatives proposed at


Farmleigh. Enterprise Ireland and the IDA are strongly supportive
of the new Network and its potential to assist both agencies in
their work abroad.


The establishment of the Network is an additional dimension to the
Department of Foreign Affairs’ ongoing engagement with the global
Irish, which includes extensive cooperation with Irish community
organisations worldwide and an Emigrant Support Programme budget of
almost €13 million this year.





Ends+++


Press Office


4 February 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:15:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D, considers report of Irish Aid technical team to Haiti]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83200</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D,
considers report of Irish Aid technical team to Haiti





The Irish Aid technical team, which has just returned from Haiti,
will report to the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr
Peter Power, T.D., this week and make recommendations on Ireland’s
ongoing response to the earthquake.


Addressing the Seanad this evening during a special debate on the
Haitian crisis, Minister Power outlined the Government’s swift and
coordinated response and pledged:


“I can assure this House of the Government’s commitment to stand
with the Haitian people as they rebuild their shattered country.”


Minister Power, this week, authorised a second shipment of
emergency supplies to Haiti after hearing the Irish Aid technical
team’s initial assessment. The team of four returned from
Port-au-Prince on Monday, having spent five days assessing the
immediate and medium-term humanitarian needs on the ground.


“I will meet the team this week to hear their recommendations as to
how we should direct our funding and respond more generally. These
will be central to our approach to the ongoing humanitarian
situation in Haiti, as well as to our pledge at the international
conference on Haiti in March.


To date the total value of the Irish Government response both
financially and in kind is well in excess of €3 million. This
figure will undoubtedly increase further as the full picture of
Haiti’s needs become clearer in the weeks leading up to the
international conference,” he said.


Highlighting the urgent need for shelter, water and sanitation,
Minister Power said:


“Nearly 200,000 people are sleeping in the open in Haiti. In a
matter of weeks the rainy season will begin and Haiti will face a
second humanitarian crisis if emergency shelter is not provided.


The Government is conscious of this danger and on Monday I
authorised a second Irish airlift of emergency supplies to Haiti.
This consists of tents and materials for use in building temporary
shelters, as well as containers and sanitation equipment.


This 50-tonne consignment is in addition to the 84 tonnes which we
sent to Haiti last week and which was distributed by Concern and
Goal. Between these two consignments, the Irish taxpayer is
providing a roof and basic infrastructure for more than 12,000
Haitian families.”


These consignments are in addition to €2 million in direct
emergency funding, Ireland’s contribution of €20 million to the
United Nations’ Central Emergency Relief Fund which is being drawn
upon to respond to the crisis and the deployment of three members
of Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps.


“This Government commitment reflects the desire to the Irish public
to contribute to the relief of Haiti. This is clearly illustrated
by the extraordinary level of generosity towards appeals from NGOs
and UN agencies over the past few days.


Large sums have been donated at a time when many people are feeling
the effects of the recession. This level of generosity towards and
solidarity with the people of Haiti is something of which all of us
in Ireland can be proud. I commend each and every member of the
public who has contributed,” Minister Power said.


He also paid tribute to the many Irish people working on the relief
effort in Haiti and once again extended the Government’s
condolences to the people of Haiti, the family of Andrew Grene and
the families of all those working in Haiti who lost a loved one.


Notes for the editor


&#183; Minister of State for
Overseas Development Peter Power addressed the Seanad on Ireland’s
response to Haiti at 5pm today, 27 January.


&#183; Ireland is providing €2
million in direct emergency funding which is being channelled
through Irish NGOs, UN humanitarian agencies and the Red Cross. In
addition, two Government-supplied consignments of emergency
humanitarian aid will ensure more than 12,000 families receive
shelter and basic sanitation equipment. The second consignment
which will be sent this week will bring the total supplied by the
Government to more than 130 tonnes of aid.


&#183; Irish Aid maintains the
Rapid Response Corps, a register of highly-skilled individuals who
are willing to be deployed at short notice to assist in an
emergency relief effort. To date there have been 65 deployments to
over 20 countries including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, DRC,
Zimbabwe, Colombia and now Haiti.


&#183; Ireland's contributed
€20 million to the United Nation's Central Emergency Response Fund
(CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73 million since it was set up in
2006 following the Asian Tsunami. The CERF provides
immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in a crisis such as
that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest donor to this fund.



For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975. For further information on the Government’s
overseas aid programme, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie


Ends+++


Press Office


27 January 2010







]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:38:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[OUR WORLD IRISH AID AWARDS]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83198</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas



Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release


Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.






Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476


Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh
Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





OUR WORLD IRISH AID AWARDS


WATERFORD SCHOOL WINS NATIONAL AWARD


The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power,
T.D., today presented the fifth annual Our World Irish Aid Awards
in Dublin Castle. Crehana National School in Carrick-on-Suir, Co.
Waterford won the overall Our World Irish Aid Award for their
project entitled Hunger in Our World. Crehana was one of the eleven
finalists attending the awards ceremony.


Speaking at the Awards, Minister Peter Power said:


&quot;I would like to congratulate the boys and girls of Crehana
National School and their teachers on their well deserved award.
The entries received this year from schools all over Ireland were
extremely creative and well presented. They demonstrate the high
level of commitment among pupils and teachers to working with
developing countries and to making a difference in the fight
against global poverty and hunger. The theme of this year’s
competition ‘Hunger in our World’ helps to highlight the
unacceptable reality that the number of people going hungry in the
world is now over one billion.&quot;


The Awards encourage primary school students across Ireland to
explore the lives of children in developing countries and learn
more about the Millennium Development Goals. Irish Aid, in the
Department of Foreign Affairs, is the Government’s programme of
assistance to developing countries. In all, over 600 primary
schools participated in the competition which is open to students
across the island of Ireland.


Over two hundred primary school pupils and teachers attended the
awards day at Dublin Castle, which was introduced by RTE young
people’s presenter Rob Ross.


The overall winner of the Our World Irish Aid Award was:


Crehana National School, Carrick-on-Suir, Co.Waterford


Also honoured with Highly Commended prizes at this year’s Awards
were:


School: Castleblaney N.S., Monaghan


Project Title: A Divided World


School: Nazareth House, Derry


Project Title: Our World, Our Fault, Our Problem


School: Knockerra N.S., Clare


Project Title: Stop Hunger in a World of Plenty


School: Scoil Eoin P&#243;l, Donegal


Project Title: Hunger: There is a Cure


School: Clonburris N.S., Dublin


Project Title: Hunger – A Fact of Life/A Fact of Death


School: Vicarstown N.S., Cork


Project Title: Malawi on the Mend


School: St. Joseph’s Boys N.S,, Limerick


Project Title: The World is in Our Hands


School: St. Anthony’s Boys N.S., Wicklow


Project Title: One World Newspaper


School: St. Mary’s Boys N.S., Louth


Project Title: Hunger in Our World


School: St. Mary’s Boys N.S, Monaghan


Project Title: Hunger: Fair World = Fairtrade


The Our World Irish Aid Awards programme is supported by The Irish
Times, as media partner.


Notes for Editors



Pupils of 3rd and 4th class in Crehana NS showed how tackling
chronic hunger and food insecurity are critical to the achievement
of all the Millennium Development Goals. Their project also
highlighted the fact that everyone has a role to play in fighting
hunger, whether through fairtrade, taking care of the environment
or becoming aware and active on this issue. The judges described it
as an extremely impressive project which showed a well-developed
understanding of these global issues which connect our lives to the
lives of people all over the world.



For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975.


For further media information on the Our World Irish Aid Awards
please contact Aileen/Mary-Kate at Entertainment Architects on 01
2194662


ENDS+++


Press Office


26 January 2010

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:16:07 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., announces second consignment of emergency aid for Haiti]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83195</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power announces
second consignment of emergency aid for Haiti


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D.,
today announced a second consignment of 40 tonnes of essential
humanitarian supplies for Haiti.


The aid, which is supplied by the Government and will be
distributed by aid agencies on the ground, includes plastic
sheeting and tents for shelter; water containers and sanitation
equipment.


The Minister made the announcement after today's meeting of EU
Foreign Ministers in Brussels. Speaking after the meeting, he said:


“It is clear that the humanitarian situation in Haiti remains
extremely grave. My colleagues and I were briefed today by
Comissioner de Gucht who has just returned from Haiti and the High
Representative who was in North America last week consulting the
US, the UN and the World Bank on Haiti. 


In addition, the Irish Aid technical team, whom I tasked with
assessing the immediate and medium-term needs of the Haitian
people, left Port-au-Prince last night after five days on the
ground.


They will report to me in detail over the coming days, but it clear
that there is an urgent need for emergency shelter and water
supplies as the rainy season approaches in just six weeks. Based on
the team's initial assessment of the emergency situation in Haiti,
I decided today to order a second shipment of supplies from our
international stockpiles.


Last week, Concern and Goal distributed more than 80 tonnes of aid
supplied by the Irish Government. The shipment that I authorised
today will bring the total aid supplied by the IGovernment to more
than 120 tonnes, enough to provide shelter, clean water and the
basic infrastructure for survival to12,000 families.


I also tasked the Irish Aid team who spent the last week in Haiti
with examining the medium to long-term needs of the Haitian people
and their reports will feed into Ireland's ongoing assistance to
the country.”


Minister Power added:


“The total value of the Irish Government response, both financially
and in kind, is well over €3 million and there is every possibility
that this figure will increase further once we have a clearer and
more comprehensive picture of Haiti’s needs.


In addition, three members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps
have deployed to Haiti and other Corps members with specialised
skills in engineering, logistics and water and sanitation are
expected to be called upon in the coming days and weeks,” Minister
Power said.


Note for the Editor:


&#183; Minister of State for
Overseas Development Peter Power attended the meeting of EU Foreign
Ministers in Brussels today.


&#183; Ireland is providing €2
million in direct funding which is being channelled directly
through Irish NGOs, UN humanitarian agencies and the Red Cross. In
addition, a Government-supplied consignment of 80 tonnes of
emergency humanitarian aid arrived in Port-au-Prince last week and
is being distributed by Concern and Goal. The second shipment of 40
tonnes announced today contains emergency shelter and water and
sanitation supplies.


&#183; Irish Aid maintains the
Rapid Response Corps, a register of highly-skilled individuals who
are willing to be deployed at short notice to assist in an
emergency relief effort. To date there have been 65 deployments to
over 20 countries including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, DRC,
Zimbabwe, Colombia and now Haiti.


&#183; Ireland's contributed
€20 million to the United Nation's Central Emergency Response Fund
(CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73 million since it was set up in
2006 following the Asian Tsunami. The CERF provides
immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in a crisis such as
that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest donor to this fund.



For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975. To see the full text
of the speech or for further information on the Government’s
overseas aid programme, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie





Ends+++


25 January 2010


Press Office








































]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:08:02 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes election of Irishwoman to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83192</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes election of Irishwoman to
the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination


Ms. Anastasia Crickley was elected earlier today, Thursday 21
January 2010, in New York to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination (CERD) for a four-year term. Ms. Crickley
was nominated for election by the Irish Government. She
will be the first Irish national to serve on the Committee.


CERD is a body of independent experts mandated by the United
Nations to monitor the implementation of the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination. Ireland is one of 173 States parties to the
Convention.


Ms. Crickley has a distinguished international record in working
against racism and discrimination. She served until
very recently as the Inaugural Chair of the European Union
Fundamental Rights Agency and previously as Chair of the EU
Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.


At a national level, she has been a founding member and chairperson
of a number of innovative agencies devoted to promoting the rights
of minorities and the marginalised, and to combating racism in
Ireland. She is currently the Head of Department of Applied
Social Studies at the National University of Ireland
Maynooth. She is also a member of the Council of State.


Welcoming Ms. Crickley’s election, the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., said:


“I am delighted to welcome the election of Anastasia Crickley to
the CERD. Ms Crickley’s election is international recognition
of the prominent role she has played throughout her career in
tackling issues relating to racism and discrimination, and in the
promotion of human rights both in Ireland and abroad. It is
also reaffirmation of Ireland’s strong commitment to the United
Nations and to human rights.


I believe Anastasia Crickley will bring a wealth of expertise and
practical experience to her new role and will be a very significant
asset to the work of the Committee. She will also be a strong
independent and impartial voice as required by the Convention.”


Note to Editors:


There are currently 173 States parties to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, including
Ireland. States are obliged to submit regular reports
to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on how
the rights set out in the Convention are being implemented
nationally. The Committee examines each national report and
addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in
the form of “concluding observations”. Ireland submitted its
combined third and fourth report to the Committee in December 2009.


In addition to the reporting procedure, the Convention establishes
three other mechanisms through which the Committee performs its
monitoring functions: the early-warning
   procedure, the examination of inter-state
   complaints and the examination of individual
   complaints.


Ms. Crickley was elected for a term of four years at the
twenty-third meeting of States parties to the Convention which took
place in New York on 21 January 2010. Members serve in their
personal capacity as independent experts and may be re-elected if
re-nominated.


Ends+++


21 January 2009


Press Office




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:45:10 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development commends the public’s generosity in response to Haiti disaster during Dáil debate]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83191</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie





Minister of State for Overseas Development commends the
public’s generosity in response to Haiti disaster during D&#225;il
debate


D&#225;il schedule amended for statements on Haiti
disaster


Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D.,
today paid tribute to the extraordinary generosity of the public in
their response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti.


Addressing the D&#225;il on Ireland’s response to the disaster, Minister
Power said: 


“The Irish people have demonstrated an extraordinary level of
generosity in supporting appeals from NGOs and UN agencies over the
past few days. Millions of euros have been donated at a time when
many people are feeling the effects of the recession, have lost
their jobs or seen their salaries reduced.


This level of generosity towards and solidarity with the people of
Haiti is something of which all of us in Ireland can be proud. My
own office has received many calls from members of the public
asking how they can help.


I commend each and every member of the public who has contributed.
Their support will mean the difference between life and death for
many of those suffering the effects of this disaster.”


Minister Power outlined the Government’s “swift and decisive”
response and said that the total value of the aid already pledged
by Government was almost €3 million.


“Within hours of the earthquake, Irish Aid was in contact with NGOs
such as Concern and Goal to make emergency funding available. By
lunchtime on the 14th we had pledged €2m to support the
initial emergency relief effort.


“Of this €300,000 each was immediately paid out to the World Food
Programme and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA) which is coordinating the international relief
effort. A further €250,000 was paid out to the Red Cross and the
remainder of this funding is being channelled through NGOs such as
Concern and Goal.


Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas aid programme, has freighted
84 tonnes, or 16 lorry-loads of emergency equipment to Haiti. These
were transported by air to Santo Domingo from our emergency
stockpiles and then by road to Port au Prince, where they arrived
last night.


Included in the shipment are plastic sheeting for emergency
shelters, blankets, kitchen sets, jerry cans and large containers
for water storage. In total, we have provided enough supplies to
shelter up to 8000 families and to provide them with the water and
the basic infra-structure needed for survival. The supplies will be
distributed by the Concern and Goal operations in Haiti.


Three members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps have deployed
to Haiti. These are an electrical engineer and an IT expert who
have been assigned to the World Food Programme, and a security
consultant who will work with Goal. Other Corps members with
specialised skills in engineering, logistics and water and
sanitation are expected to be called upon in the coming days and
weeks.


I have also dispatched an Irish Aid technical mission to Haiti to
assess how Ireland can best contribute to the international relief
effort and to make recommendations as to how we should direct our
funding.


The total value of the Irish Government response, both financially
and in kind, is nearly €3 million and there is every possibility
that this figure will increase further once we have a clearer and
more comprehensive picture of Haiti’s needs.


This figure is in addition to our ongoing contributions to the UN’s
Central Emergency Response Fund which was established following the
2004 Tsunami to provide the UN with a ready pool of emergency
funding for crises such as that in Haiti.”


Minister Power extended the Government’s sincere condolences to the
people of Haiti; to the family of Andrew Grene who lost his life
while serving with the UN; to Secretary General of the United
Nations, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, and to the families of all his staff who
lost their lives in the earthquake.


“The Haiti earthquake is a disaster which has shocked the entire
world with its scale and intensity. The impact on an already
vulnerable nation has been catastrophic and it will take many years
for Haiti to rebuild itself.


Ireland’s response, whether through the provision of much-needed
funds; through our emergency supplies or our highly-skilled
personnel has undoubtedly saved many lives and will continue to do
so in the weeks and months to come.


That said, it is inevitable that Haiti will continue to require the
support of Ireland and the broader international community into the
longer term as it rebuilds and slowly makes the transition from
relief to development.


The challenge for us, and for the rest of the world will be to
stand with the Haitian people during that difficult transition, as
they reconstruct their shattered lives and country. I am confident
that we will not be found wanting,” Minister Power said.


Note for Editors



Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power addressed
the D&#225;il on Ireland’s response to Haiti at 11.15am today, January
21


Irish Aid maintains the Rapid Response Corps, a register of
highly-skilled individuals who are willing to be deployed at short
notice to assist in an emergency relief effort. To date there have
been 65 deployments to over 20 countries including Afghanistan, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, DRC, Zimbabwe, Colombia and now Haiti.


Ireland's contributed €20 million to the United Nation's Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73 million
since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami. The CERF
provides immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in a crisis
such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest donor to this
fund.


In addition, Ireland is providing €2 million which is being
channelled directly through Irish NGOs, UN humanitarian agencies
and the Red Cross. A Government-supplied consignment of emergency
humanitarian aid arrived in Port-au-Prince last night and is being
distributed by Concern and Goal today.



For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975. To see the full text of the speech or for further
information on the Government’s overseas aid programme, visit
www.irishaid.gov.ie





Ends+++


21 January 2010


Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:43:05 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83190</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Minister Martin hails the success of Working Holiday
Agreements


The Minister for Foreign Affairs Miche&#225;l Martin speaking in Dublin
today outlined the success of Working Holiday Agreements between
Ireland and other countries.


“Working Holiday Agreements are a vital part of Ireland’s
public diplomacy. Many thousands of young Irish people have
benefited greatly from the experience of working and living in
foreign countries. In turn, many young people have visited
Ireland and have acquired a life long love of this country. I
am fully committed to these arrangements which are beneficial for
the countries involved”.


Minister Martin referred in particular to the huge success of
the Australian agreement


“It started with very small numbers and has grown over the
years into a huge movement of young people between Ireland and
Australia”.


The Minister noted that the new American J1 visa has been
utilised by over 550 people with approximately 400 Irish going to
the US and around 150 Americans approved to come to Ireland. “I
have no doubt that the US programme which is only in its infancy
will grow considerably in the years to come.”


Minister Martin also said:


“At the Global Irish Economic Forum, which took place at
Farmleigh in September, participants strongly emphasised both the
importance of deepening our engagement with younger members of our
Irish communities abroad and the benefit of international work
experience for both young Irish people individually and for Irish
business more generally. The Working Holiday Agreements, many of
which are with countries where there are significant numbers of
young people of Irish descent, are a unique and valuable tool in
facilitating such experiences.


I am looking at how this programme which has grown up in an ad hoc
way can fit in with the post Farmleigh Strategy and in particular
whether this programme should have a statutory basis.”


The Minister outlined the uptake of these visas in 2009 as
indicated below:






Working Holiday Agreement




No. of visa approvals in 2009




Allocation 2010






Argentina




 16




 100






Canada




 2500




 4000






Japan




 35




 400






Hong Kong




 11




 100






Australia




16,938




Not capped






New Zealand




 2,464




Not capped






USA




 400




Not capped






Background Note


(Working holiday agreements are concluded on a reciprocal basis and
allow young Irish people to stay and work for an extended period of
time in the countries listed. The Working holiday agreements
provide the opportunity to young people to gain a better
understanding of other countries and cultures and to build
relationships for the future. They also allow people from other
countries to experience the Irish culture and Irish life.)


Ends+++


20 January 2010


Press Office




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:51:16 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Government aid consignment and Rapid Response Corps members arrive in Haiti ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83188</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237;
Eachtracha
Preas R&#225;iteas


Department of Foreign
Affairs
Press Release





Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath
2


Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.





Tel: 353 -1- 478
0822
Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475
7476



 Idirl&#237;on/Internet:
www.dfa.ie
R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Government aid consignment and Rapid Response Corps members
arrive in Haiti


The Government’s consignment of more than 80 tonnes of emergency
humanitarian supplies has arrived in Haiti, Minister of State for
Overseas Development Peter Power confirmed today.


The supplies of blankets, plastic sheeting for temporary shelter,
water tanks, tents, mattresses and kitchen sets will be given to
Concern and Goal for distribution to more than 8,000 families.


Commenting on the consignment, Minister Power said:


“This consignment, which is one of the largest ever directly
supplied by the Government, arrived in the Dominican Republic last
night (Jan 19). A convoy of 16 trucks is currently transporting the
aid to Port-au-Prince. It will be distributed by our
partners, Concern and Goal, to thousands of families who are so
desperately in need of shelter and water.


In addition to blankets, water and sanitation equipment, tents and
kitchen sets, the consignment also includes generators which are
crucial to the urgent relief effort.


This consignment is in addition to the €2 million in immediate
financial support which the Government has committed to the United
Nations and Irish aid agencies working in Haiti,” Minister Power
said.


He also confirmed that three members of Ireland’s Rapid Response
Corps have been deployed to Haiti to assist in the international
emergency effort in the wake of this week’s devastating earthquake.


Donal McGrath, an ICT specialist from Dublin and John Jefferies, an
ESB Network technician from Cork arrived in Santo Domingo in the
Dominican Republic last night (19 January) and will travel to Haiti
to work with the World Food Programme.


Captain Tim O’Connor, a Defence Forces’ engineer from Cork who is a
UN-trained disaster expert, has also been deployed as part of the
small Irish Aid technical team assessing the immediate needs of the
Haitian people.


“Highly-skilled specialists have a vital role to play in the rescue
and recovery effort and the Government would like to pay tribute to
these three Corps members whose expertise and commitment will prove
invaluable to the international effort,” Minister Power said.


“The consignment of aid supplies and the deployment of key
personnel is in addition to the €2 million of emergency aid which
the Government has pledged to Haiti and the €20 million of
pre-positioned funding which Irish Aid allocated to the UN Central
Emergency Response Fund last year and which is being drawn upon to
support the UN response to this terrible tragedy,” he said.


Other members of the Rapid Response Corps are on standby and may be
called upon over the coming days and weeks to fill essential
positions.


Rapid Response Corps members


John Jefferies, Ballinhassig, Co Cork (photo attached)


An ESB Network Technician from Cork, John previously worked in
Azerbaijan as an international observer during the country’s
elections and also has worked with Concern.


He has three children Eoin, Aideen and Cian. His first development
assignment was with Concern in Burundi, setting up IT
infrastructure. He has also worked in Afghanistan, Pakistan and
Tanzania. He has also travelled to Azerbaijan at the request of the
Department of Foreign Affairs to work as an election observer.


In Haiti, Mr Jefferies will be responsible for the provision of
electrical services for the WFP's emergency operations. His tasks
will include the installation and maintenance of electricity wiring
and distribution systems for all WFP offices and warehouses in the
emergency zone.


Speaking about his interest in development work, Mr Jefferies said;


&quot;It's nice to do something different and I really enjoy meeting
people from all over the world. It's very rewarding being so
hands-on in helping people. And the one thing I’ve learned is that
people are all basically the same. We all want a decent standard of
living, a better life for our children and something to look
forward to.”


Donal McGrath (photo attached),


An ICT specialist, originally from Dublin, Mr McGrath lives in
Greystones, Co Wicklow. He previously deployed with the Rapid
Response Corps to work with the World Food Programme in Tanzania
for three months in 2008. He has worked in ICT in Teagasc and with
a number of Government Departments, including the Department of
Justice.


Speaking ahead of his deployment, he said:


“My role in overseas development work is quite recent and dates
from my participation in Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps. Unlike
some members of the Corps, who have prior experience with NGOs, my
first involvement was when I joined the first RRC cohort in 2007. I
have since attended two courses with the World Food Programme and
also worked with the WFP in Tanzania for three months in 2008.


My contribution to the disaster relief work in Haiti will again be
in ICT rather than directly with the victims of this tragedy.
However information flows and the delivery of medical &amp;amp; food
supplies now rely on ICT and I hope to make my contribution there.”


Captain Tim O'Connor


Captain Tim O'Connor is an army engineer from the Defence Forces’
Engineering Corps.He is from Kilbrittain, Co Cork and is
stationed at theNaval Base in Cork. He has previously
servedoverseas withUNMILin Liberia and EUFOR in
Bosnia and Herzogovina. Capt O’Connor is part of the Irish Aid
technical team who are assessing the immediate needs of the Haitian
people. 


Note for Editors


Irish Aid maintains the Rapid Response Corps, a register of
highly-skilled individuals who are willing to be deployed at short
notice to assist in an emergency relief effort. To date there have
been 65 deployments to over 20 countries including Afghanistan, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, DRC, Zimbabwe, Colombia and now Haiti.


Ireland's contributed €20 million to the United Nation's Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009 and a total of €73 million
since it was set up in 2006 following the Asian Tsunami. The CERF
provides immediately-accessible funds to the UN for use in a crisis
such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the seventh largest donor to this
fund.


In addition, Ireland is providing €2 million which is being
channelled directly through Irish NGOs, UN humanitarian agencies
and the Red Cross.


For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press
officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653
or 087-9099975. For further information on the Government’s
overseas aid programme, visit www.dfa.ie and www.irishaid.gov.ie


Ends+++


20 January 2010


Press Office




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:19:50 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83184</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Statement by Minister Martin on confirmation of the death of UN aid worker, Andrew Grene, in the Haitian earthquake
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin, T.D., made the following statement after the confirmation he received from the UN that Mr. Andrew Grene, an Irish citizen, has been identified as among those killed in the Haitian earthquake.
“I have learned with great regret from the UN of the death of Mr Andrew Grene in such tragic circumstances in Haiti. I want to extend my own personal condolences and that of the Irish government to his family in the United States and Ireland on this very sad occasion.
He was a true humanitarian, working for the good of the people of Haiti. His post in the UN in Haiti was as Assistant to the Secretary General's Special Representative, Mr. Hedi Annabi, who also tragically lost his life when the earthquake struck.
Andrew is part of a long and honourable Irish tradition of public service with the United Nations. His family, and indeed Ireland, can be very proud of his work. He was also a citizen of the United States and I know that that country also takes pride in his achievements.
My thoughts are with Andrew’s wife and children and all his family and friends at this difficult time.
Ar dheis D&#233; go raibh a anam uasal.”
Ends+++
19 January 2010
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:39:07 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development pledges Ireland's ongoing support to Haiti at emergency meeting of EU Development Ministers]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83183</link>
					<description><![CDATA[An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
  Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., pledges Ireland's ongoing support to Haiti at emergency meeting of EU Development Ministers today
Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, today underscored Ireland's swift and coordinated response to the Haitian disaster and pledged that the Government would continue to support the Haitian people.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of EU Development Ministers in Brussels, Minister Power outlined Ireland's contribution to the United Nation's disaster relief fund of €20 million, from which the UN is drawing down in response to the Haiti crisis. In addition, Ireland is providing €2 million which is being channelled directly through Irish NGOs and UN humanitarian agencies. Additionally, a consignment of over 80 tons of essential humanitarian supplies is being freighted to Haiti today; this is one of the largest consignments of humanitarian supplies ever provided directly by Ireland. 
“Ireland drew strongly on the lessons we learned as a result of our engagement with the Asian Tsunami in 2004 to respond swiftly and in a targeted manner to the crisis in Haiti. 
It is crucial that the EU as a whole also learns from this experience and does not repeat some of the mistakes that were made in the aftermath of the tsunami. 
We must work together in a coordinated manner and focus on putting small teams of highly-skilled and experienced people on the ground. In addition to the vital funding and supplies we are committing, these people will play a crucial role in coordinating the aid effort and ensuring that our aid gets to those who need it most in the shortest possible time. 
Our joint effort in assisting the people of Haiti is an important early test of the EU's response mechanisms post-Lisbon. We must coordinate and act as a real global leader,” said Minister Power, speaking after the meeting at which the EU pledged €122 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to Haiti.
On the issue of medium to long-term funding for the recovery and rehabilitation effort in Haiti, Minister Power said: 
“A needs assessment is currently ongoing so it is not possible or credible at this stage to say what the long-term requirements will be.
However, I want to send a simple message to the people of Haiti whose lives have been devastated by this disaster: Ireland will not be found wanting. We are committed to supporting the reconstruction phase.
Already, the Government of Ireland has pledged €2 million to support the immediate search and recovery phase and is deploying two highly-skilled members of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps to assist the World Food Programme and others are on standby and are expected to be called upon over the coming days and weeks.
Also today, a consignment of over 80 tonnes of essential supplies is being freighted to Haiti. The consignment of mosquito nets, plastic shelters and water tanks will be given to Irish NGOs working on the ground to distribute to 8,000 families in need.
A small, highly-experienced technical team from Irish Aid will travel to Haiti as soon as conditions permit. They will report back to me on the short-term gaps in the overall international response and how Ireland can best contribute. They will also assess the medium-term requirements in terms of recovery and rehabilitation,” Minister Power said.
“The fact that Ireland had pre-positioned €20 million with the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund which could be drawn down immediately and had stockpiled essential emergency supplies which are now being sent to Haiti demonstrates the importance of pre-planning in responding to natural disasters such as this,” Minister Power said. 
He congratulated the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton and the Spanish Presidency of the EU for convening today's meeting to coordinate the EU response.
Note for Editors
&#183; Ireland committed €20m to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009. The CERF provides rapid funding to emergencies and disasters such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the 7th largest contributor having committed €73m since 2006. Irish Aid also pre-positions emergency funding with NGO partners such as Goal, Concern and Tr&#243;caire in order to allow for quick disbursal in emergency situations.
&#183; The Irish Rapid Response Corp consists of 130 personnel with specialised skills in areas such as logistics, engineering and public health, which can prove vital in responding to emergency and humanitarian situations. In addition, Irish Aid has pre-positioned emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and water and sanitation equipment in depots around the globe which can be called upon in an emergency.
&#183; In 2009, Irish Aid allocated funding of approximately €1 million to civil society partners working in Haiti. This included more than €900,000 to Concern, and smaller amounts to missionary personnel. Haiti is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, and Irish Aid has responded to a number of emergency situations in the past, including a devastating series of hurricanes in 2008.
For further information, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975. For further information on the Government’s overseas aid programme, visit www.dfa.ie and www.irishaid.gov.ie
ENDS+++
18 January 2010
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:54:10 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Government deploys specialist emergency team to Haiti ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83180</link>
					<description><![CDATA[An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
  Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie
Government deploys specialist emergency team to Haiti 
The Government is to send a team of experts to Haiti to assist in the international emergency effort in the wake of this week’s devastating earthquake.
The technical team, which will be drawn from Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development, will initially be charged with assessing needs on the ground, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin and Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power announced today.
“This team, whose members are highly-experienced in emergency situations, will initially assess the immediate needs of the Haitian people and identify short-term gaps in the overall response. 
“They will also examine the medium to longer-term requirements in terms of recovery and rehabilitation and liaise with the United Nations, other international donors and our NGO partners on the ground to ensure that aid is being delivered to those who need it most as quickly and effectively as possible,” the Ministers said. 
Minister Martin said, “Irish Aid deployed a technical team to Asia in the wake of the Asian Tsunami in 2004 and they proved highly-effective in ensuring that our aid was delivered in a targeted manner and did not duplicate the efforts of other donors. 
The team who will deploy to Haiti over the coming days will be charged with the same mission and their assessments will feed into Ireland’s ongoing support to the people of Haiti who have suffered such devastating losses”. 
Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power also confirmed that Irish Aid will deploy specialists from its Rapid Reaction Corps to assist in the response to the Haiti earthquake. 
UN agencies coordinating the disaster response have requested specialist staff in areas including logistics, telecommunications and sanitation. 
“We have received a request from the main UN agencies in Haiti for a small number of highly-specialised personnel,” Minister Power said. 
“We are working closely with UNICEF, the World Food Programme and others to identify the kind of skills needed in Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. The problem is not one of numbers – there are plenty of people available from Haiti and the immediate region. What the UN needs is people with specific skill-sets. In most cases we have identified people on our roster of Rapid Response Corps volunteers who meet their requirements.”
The announcement is in addition to the €2m additional emergency funding pledged by the Irish Government yesterday. This money will be channelled through the United Nations and Irish aid agencies working in the region. 
Minister Power confirmed that Irish Aid would immediately release €250,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross as part of this support. The funding will assist the Haitian National Red Cross Society in providing emergency medical care, as well as in distributing shelter supplies and water and sanitation equipment. 
Irish Aid is also in close contact with Irish NGOs Concern and Goal to identify their funding needs. 
Following requests from Concern and Goal this morning, Irish Aid will also release emergency supplies from its stockpiles which will be air-freighted to the disaster zone. These will directly assist 3,000 families and include plastic sheeting for temporary shelter and jerry cans to store water. 
“This assistance is in addition to the €20 million of pre-positioned funding which Irish Aid allocated to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund last year and which is being drawn down to support the UN response to this terrible tragedy,” he said.
Note for Editors
Ireland committed €20m to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009. The CERF provides rapid funding to emergencies and disasters such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the 7th largest contributor having committed €73m since 2006. Irish Aid also pre-positions emergency funding with NGO partners such as Goal, Concern and Tr&#243;caire in order to allow for quick disbursal in emergency situations.
The Irish Rapid Response Corp consists of 130 personnel with specialised skills in areas such as logistics, engineering and public health, which can prove vital in responding to emergency and humanitarian situations. In addition, Irish Aid has pre-positioned emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and water and sanitation equipment in depots around the globe which can be called upon in an emergency.
In 2009, Irish Aid allocated funding of approximately €1 million to civil society partners working in Haiti. This included more than €900,000 to Concern, and smaller amounts to missionary personnel. Haiti is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, and Irish Aid has responded to a number of emergency situations in the past, including a devastating series of hurricanes in 2008.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin, please contact Jerry O’Connor on 01-4082279 or 087- 6630338.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975.
ENDS
14 January 2010
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:11:36 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83179</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Government pledges emergency assistance for Haiti earthquake victims
The Government has announced emergency humanitarian assistance for those affected by the devastating earthquake which struck Haiti yesterday. 
The Department of Foreign Affairs is working to establish the number of Irish citizens who may have been affected and is in close contact with the US Administration, other EU Member States and Irish organisations with links to Haiti. 
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin stated this morning:
“Reports reaching us from Haiti indicate the horrific extent of the destruction caused by this earthquake. Our immediate thoughts are with the people of Haiti and all those who have lost family and friends in this terrible tragedy. 
Minister Martin emphasised the urgency of a coordinated international response, led by the United Nations. “The Government has already pre-positioned emergency funding with the UN Central Emergency Response Fund for immediate use. We are ready to commit additional funding as required, and are consulting with the main NGOs on the release of emergency funds.” 
Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power TD confirmed that members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps were on standby to assist with emergency operations, if required. He stated:
“Ireland is one of the leading international donors for UN emergency operations. We have also been in contact this morning with NGOs, including Concern and Goal, to expedite the release of emergency funding for their response. In addition, we are ready to make emergency funding available for medical assistance, shelter, food and other support to those whose homes and lives have been devastated by this earthquake. Irish Aid will continue to monitor the situation closely to determine how our assistance can most effectively be channelled.”
Minister Martin stated that the Consular Assistance Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs has been in direct contact with Irish companies and organisations operating in Haiti, and with Secretary of State Clinton's Office at the US State Department, which has established a Disaster Assistance Response Team in Haiti. The US has offered assistance in locating any Irish citizens who may have been affected. The Department is also coordinating its efforts with EU partners and will participate in a teleconference of national crisis management units which the Spanish Presidency is organising this morning.
If any member of the public is concerned about a family member they should contact the Consular Assistance Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs on (01)4082000. 
Note for Editors
Ireland committed €20m to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2009. The CERF provides rapid funding to emergencies and disasters such as that in Haiti. Ireland is the 7th largest contributor having committed €73m since 2006. Irish Aid also pre-positions emergency funding with NGO partners such as GOAL, Concern and Tr&#243;caire in order to allow for quick disbursal in emergency situations.
The Irish Rapid Response Corp consists of 130 volunteers with specialised skills in areas such as logistics, engineering and public health, which can prove vital in responding to emergency and humanitarian situations. In addition, Irish Aid has pre-positioned emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and water and sanitation equipment in depots around the globe which can be called upon in an emergency.
In 2009, Irish Aid allocated funding of approximately €1 million to civil society partners working in Haiti. This included more than €900,000 to Concern, and smaller amounts to missionary personnel. Haiti is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, and Irish Aid has responded to a number of emergency situations in the past, including a devastating series of hurricanes in 2008.
Ends+++
13 January 2010
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:29:12 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister Martin Condemns Antrim Car Bomb Attack]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83163</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel:+353 -1- 478 0822Fax:+353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ieR&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Minister Martin Condemns Antrim Car Bomb Attack
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., has condemned this morning’s car bomb attack which caused very serious injury to a PSNI officer. The Minister said:
“I am appalled by this morning’s attack. Such criminal acts serve no cause other than to bring mayhem and suffering. 
The perpetrators represent no one but themselves. They are a tiny minority without any significant community support. The clearly expressed wish of the people of Northern Ireland is that there should be peace and stability. This is what the wider community, and its political representatives, have been working towards.
My thoughts are with the injured officer, his family, friends and PSNI colleagues at this difficult time.”
Ends+++
8 January 2010
Press Office]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:37:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83160</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development announces greater collaboration with universities and research centres to reduce global hunger.
“this exciting collaboration will draw on expertise in Irish universities to increase productivity and improve nutrition. $1 invested in research has the potential to produce $9 worth of additional food in developing countries.” – Minister Power 
The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power T.D., today announced significant funding for collaborative research between Irish universities and international research centres to combat hunger. Outlining the Government’s increased support, Minister Power said: 
“This initiative represents an investment in research that will ultimately help to increase food production, improve diets and reduce vulnerability to crop failure across the developing world. It will draw on the expertise in Irish universities and international research centres to establish practical and sustainable solutions to the problem of hunger and food insecurity. Irish research expertise can make a real contribution in the fight against hunger.
I have made the eradication of hunger a cornerstone of the Irish Aid programme. Scientific research to improve agricultural productivity is critical to this effort, particularly in the context of climate change and a growing world population. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, which will receive funding under today’s announcement, has clearly demonstrated that for $1 invested in research, $9 worth of additional food can be produced in developing countries.
At home, the research which Irish Aid is funding will play an important role in raising the profile of agricultural research for development within Irish universities and developing a cadre of scientists who are focused on development.” 
The funding will be dispersed as follows:
Nearly €150,000 will be allocated to support two PhD research projects on plant breeding which will be conducted at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture’s facilities in Uganda and Nigeria, the National University of Ireland, Galway, and University College Cork. The first will investigate approaches for improving productivity of East African Highland bananas, a major staple crop of the poor, grown by many small farmers. The second will conduct research to elevate vitamin A levels in varieties of yellow maize consumed by the poor. This will reduce malnutrition as vitamin fortification of staple crops enhances the health and nutrition of children. 
In addition, just over €210,000 will be provided to each of the three following research institutes; the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA); the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI); and to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). 
The primary goal of IITA is to improve diets, health and productivity. The work of IITA is widely recognised as having had a significant impact. For example, improved drought-tolerant maize varieties which they developed have benefited more than 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, and translated to about US$10 billion in net benefits. The majority of direct beneficiaries are poor farmers.
Livestock in developing countries contribute up to 80% of agricultural GDP, and 600 million rural poor people rely on livestock for their livelihoods. The work of ILRI has enabled livestock owners to obtain fitter animals which remain productive under stressful conditions. Increased dairy production improves childhood nutrition while generating jobs. 
The semi- arid tropics cover part of 55 developing countries; populated by about 1.4 billion people, of which 560 million (40%) are classified as poor. ICRISAT is currently playing a leading role in understanding and responding to, the effects of climate change in agriculture. One approach focuses on the production of legumes, rice and drought-tolerant grains. Legumes promote dietary diversification, enhance the protein and fat content of the diet, and improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
Notes for the editor
Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development. It is an integral part of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information, visit http://www.irishaid.gov.ie
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is an international alliance of agricultural research centres which deploy top quality science for the benefit of the poor. It is part-funded by Irish Aid. Irish Aid funding in 2009 amounted to almost €8 million. http://www.cgiar.org/
Ends+++
7 January 2010
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:40:19 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the safety of Irish volunteers participating in the ‘Viva Palestina’ aid convoy ]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83157</link>
					<description><![CDATA[An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
  Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie


Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the safety of Irish volunteers participating in the ‘Viva Palestina’ aid convoy 

Speaking this afternoon, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miche&#225;l Martin T.D. said that his Department was doing everything possible to ensure the safety of Irish volunteers participating in the ‘Viva Palestina’ aid convoy. 

“I was concerned to hear that a number of Irish citizens had been caught up in disturbances which took place last night in El Arish, an Egyptian port near the border with Gaza, and that at least one of them had been injured in the incident. I have been speaking with the family of one of the Irish volunteers in question to assure them that we were doing everything possible to ensure the safety of the volunteers in El Arish.

I have also spoken today with Ireland’s Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Gerard Corr, and asked that he keep me personally informed of developments. The Irish Embassy in Cairo has been in contact with the volunteers on the ground and with the Egyptian authorities, and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin have also been in touch with the Egyptian Embassy here. 

The Irish Embassy in Cairo has been liaising with the Egyptian Ministry for Foreign Affairs on a regular basis for more than a week to highlight the presence of Irish volunteers in the ‘Viva Palestina’ aid convoy and to request safe passage for them to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Embassy has remained in touch on a daily basis with the Irish volunteers since 24 December. We understand that there are 12 Irish people in the group. 

In light of last night’s disturbances, the Embassy in Cairo has contacted the Egyptian Foreign Ministry and expressed concern at reports that Irish citizens had been caught up in the violence. We have also expressed our concern to the Egyptian authorities for the welfare of the Irish citizens involved in the aid convoy. 

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain close contact with the volunteers and the Egyptian Government.” 

Ends+++
6 January 2010
Press Office]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:50:08 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., Welcomes UDA Decommissioning]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83156</link>
					<description><![CDATA[An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
  Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., Welcomes UDA Decommissioning
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., welcomed today’s statement by the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association confirming that they have, under the auspices of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD), put all weaponry under its control verifiably beyond use.
The Minister said: 
“This is an important day for the people of Northern Ireland.
I would like to express the Government’s appreciation to the loyalist leadership and all those who contributed to the courageous work which facilitated this decision for peace. It completes the process of decommissioning by the main loyalist paramilitary organisations, including the arms previously put beyond use by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos.
This is a statement of confidence in the political process and in the devolved institutions, one which moves us closer to that genuinely shared future for which so many have worked over decades. Another obstacle to dialogue and partnership has been removed. 
It is essential that the political process not leave any community behind. The Government recognises the acute economic and social disadvantage which affects particular areas of the North, not least in certain loyalist communities. Tackling such economic and social disadvantage must be a priority, if the progress made is to be consolidated and built upon.
I pay tribute to all those who encouraged today’s very welcome developments, particularly the outreach and confidence building work of Dr. Martin McAleese. I also wish to commend the patient and effective engagement of General de Chastelain and his colleagues in the IICD who have made an enormous contribution to the peace process over the last decade.”
Ends+++
6 January 2010
Press Office]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:56:40 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[OUR WORLD IRISH AID AWARDS - SHORT-LIST ANNOUNCED!]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83155</link>
					<description><![CDATA[An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
  Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie
OUR WORLD IRISH AID AWARDS - SHORT-LIST ANNOUNCED!
The short-list of finalists for the fifth annual Our World Irish Aid Awards programme for primary schools has been announced. The Awards encourage primary pupils across Ireland to think about the lives of children in developing countries and create projects in a variety of media which explore the challenges faced by young people in developing countries. The theme of this year’s Awards is ‘Hunger in Our World’. Projects by the following schools have been short-listed for the Our World Irish Aid Awards and pupils and teachers will attend the Awards ceremony in Dublin Castle on Tuesday, 26 January:
School:  Castleblaney N.S., Monaghan  
Project Title:  A Divided World
School: Nazareth House, Derry 
Project Title: Our World, Our Fault ,Our Problem
School:  Crehana N.S., Waterford
Project Title: Hunger in Our World
School: Knockerra N.S., Clare
Project Title: Stop Hunger in a World of Plenty
School: Scoil Eoin P&#243;l, Donegal
Project Title: Hunger: There is a Cure
School: Clonburris N.S., Dublin
Project Title: Hunger – A Fact of Life/A Fact of Death
School: Vicarstown N.S., Cork
Project Title: Malawi on the Mend
School: St. Joseph’s Boys N.S., Limerick
Project Title: The World is in Our Hands
School: St. Anthony’s Boys N.S., Wicklow
Project Title: One World Newspaper
School: St. Mary’s Boys N.S., Louth
Project Title: Hunger in Our World
School: St. Mary’s Boys N.S, Monaghan
Project Title: Hunger.Fair World = Fairtrade
The core aim of the Our World Irish Aid Awards is to broaden the knowledge and understanding that our young people have with regards to the Millennium Development Goals. Irish Aid is the Government’s aid programme to developing countries. It is run by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Over 500 schools submitted projects for this year’s Our World Irish Aid Awards. It is open to pupils in 3rd through 6th classes (year 4 through year 7 in Northern Ireland). 
On the announcement of the shortlist, the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, T.D., said:
&quot;I would like to congratulate the eleven schools which have been chosen as finalists in this year’s Awards. I am delighted that the Our World Irish Aid Awards are continuing to attract increasing numbers of primary schools from all over Ireland. The entries received are of an exceptionally high standard, demonstrating the huge interest Irish children have in learning about the lives of people in other parts of the world and that they care deeply about children deprived of their rights because of poverty.&quot;
Note to the Editor: 
The Our World Irish Aid Awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 26 January at Dublin Castle. Popular RTE presenter Rob Ross will act as master of ceremonies at the Awards. One outstanding entry will receive the Our World Irish Aid Award, with runner up projects receiving Highly Commended prizes. 
The Our World Irish Aid Awards programme is proudly supported by The Irish Times, as media partner.
For further media information on the Our World Irish Aid Awards please contact Aileen/Mary-Kate at Entertainment Architects on 01 2194662
Ends+++
5 January 2010
Press Office

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:37:53 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83134</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, announces additional funding of €600,000 to combat hunger in Sudan.
The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, T.D., today announced additional funding of €600,000 for emergency food relief in Sudan. 
The funding will be channelled through the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), which is managing emergency food distribution across many of Sudan’s poorest and most vulnerable communities. 
The WFP’s emergency operation for 2010 will provide more than 650,000 tons of food to 6.4 million people in areas including Darfur and Southern Sudan.
Announcing the funding, Minister Power said: 
“We remain seriously concerned about the situation in Sudan. Sudanese people are among the most vulnerable in the world, as a result of the combination of conflict, large-scale population displacement and underlying hunger and poverty. The past year has seen a significant increase in emergency food requirements. This urgent need for assistance is expected to continue through 2010. 
“Poor rainfall levels in Southern Sudan have caused crop failure and extended the ‘hunger gap’, leaving as many as 1.5 million people extremely vulnerable to food shortages. We know that as many as one in six people in this region are acutely malnourished and 130,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as a result of ongoing conflict.
“The World Food Programme’s operation in Sudan is the largest of its emergency operations worldwide. The WFP’s immediate goal is to reduce the unacceptably high number of people dying and the incidence of acute malnutrition. They are also committed to assisting displaced people to return to their homes and increasing access to education, particularly for girls.
“This comprehensive response will save the lives of thousands of men, women and children, reduce hunger and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict and food shortages. I am delighted that Ireland’s contribution will help the WFP to implement this vital work. By placing the fight against hunger at the heart of our overseas aid programme, Ireland has taken a leadership role internationally on reducing hunger.
“Through Irish Aid, the Government has already provided €4.5 million in emergency humanitarian support for Sudan this year, and we have allocated a further €5.6 million to aid agencies working with vulnerable communities in Sudan, including Concern and Goal. Our support for community based programmes which focus on areas such as primary healthcare, education and rural development, tackle the root causes of hunger and poverty and ultimately help build a more sustainable future for the people of Sudan,” Minister Power said. 
Notes for the editor
Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development. It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Man-made conflicts within and across its borders have pushed Sudan down to no. 150 (out of 182) on the UN’s 2009 Human Development Index. 
This latest funding brings to more than €10.7 million the total aid assistance provided by the Irish Government to Sudan in 2009. Some €5.6 million is dispersed through partnerships with non-government organisations such as Concern, Trocaire and Goal. 
The World Food Programme’s Sudan Emergency Operation entitled “Food Assistance to Populations affected by Conflict” plans to provide emergency assistance to a total of 6.4 million beneficiaries in Sudan with more than 665,000 metric tons of food assistance, and at an overall cost of US$ 873.66 million for 2010.
Ends+++
1 January 2010
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:31:42 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Press Section]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83133</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power announces €1 million funding for childhood vaccines in the developing world
Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, today announced funding of €1 million to prevent childhood deaths in the developing world.
The funding, which will be channelled by Irish Aid through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), will support the expansion of vaccine programmes which target children in the world’s poorest countries. 
Children in developing countries are ten times more likely to die from a vaccine-preventable disease than they are in wealthier nations. The funding will support GAVI’s efforts to increase vaccination rates against childhood diseases including measles, pneumonia, meningitis, whopping cough and yellow fever.
Announcing the funding, Minister Power said: 
“Over the last ten years GAVI has directly supported the immunisation of more than 250 million children, a figure which will grow to 300 million by the end of next year. During that time it’s estimated that they have prevented more than four million children from dying of preventable diseases and protected hundreds of millions more against infection.
“Our support will add to these impressive achievements and contribute to ending the unacceptable situation where millions of children in Africa and Asia fall victim to preventable disease. 
“In 2008 alone, almost nine million children died before their fifth birthday, nearly a quarter of whom succumbed to vaccine-preventable illnesses. GAVI’s effective and strategic programme of support to the world’s poorest countries is playing a key role in stemming these unconscionable losses.”
The GAVI Alliance provides multi-year grants and technical support to 72 of the world’s poorest countries to expand delivery of and access to under-used vaccines. By the end of 2009, DTP3 coverage (full immunisation against Diptheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) in countries where GAVI works reached 79%, the highest rate of coverage ever experienced in the developing world. 
GAVI works through providers in each country and also provides support to develop countries’ health systems. 
Minister Power said: “Health is one of the key sectors supported by Irish Aid. Promoting and protecting the health of a nation, especially its children, are crucial factors in the fight against poverty. We have committed to spending at least €100 million annually on preventing HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases. I am delighted that through our funding to GAVI, Ireland is contributing in a sustainable way to the impressive progress we are seeing in lifesaving immunisation programmes.”
GAVI is a committed partner to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, both through the potential of vaccines to deliver significant impact on Goal 4 - to reduce child mortality - and the long-term health benefits of immunisation that will accrue to all MDGs.
For further information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie or contact Maggie Collins, Irish Aid press office, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 086-0659630
Notes for editor.

Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development, is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information visit www.irishaid.gov.ie 
Launched in 2000, the GAVI Alliance is a global health partnership representing stakeholders in immunisation from both private and public sectors: developing world and donor governments, private sector philanthropists such as the Bill &amp;amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the financial community, developed and developing country vaccine manufacturers, research and technical institutes, civil society organisations and multilateral organisations like the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Bank. 
GAVI spends approximately US$1 billion annually, and 28% of this is financed by the Gates Foundation. For further information on GAVI, visit http://www.gavialliance.org 
Ireland provides direct funding to GAVI. The funding announced today will bring total funding to GAVI since 2002 to more than €20 million. 
Mary Robinson is the Chairperson of the GAVI Alliance Board.
Ends+++
4 January 2010
Press Office]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:25:00 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[January]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83131</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, announces additional funding of €600,000 to combat hunger in Sudan.
The Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, T.D., today announced additional funding of €600,000 for emergency food relief in Sudan. 
The funding will be channelled through the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), which is managing emergency food distribution across many of Sudan’s poorest and most vulnerable communities. 
The WFP’s emergency operation for 2010 will provide more than 650,000 tons of food to 6.4 million people in areas including Darfur and Southern Sudan.
Announcing the funding, Minister Power said: 
“We remain seriously concerned about the situation in Sudan. Sudanese people are among the most vulnerable in the world, as a result of the combination of conflict, large-scale population displacement and underlying hunger and poverty. The past year has seen a significant increase in emergency food requirements. This urgent need for assistance is expected to continue through 2010. 
“Poor rainfall levels in Southern Sudan have caused crop failure and extended the ‘hunger gap’, leaving as many as 1.5 million people extremely vulnerable to food shortages. We know that as many as one in six people in this region are acutely malnourished and 130,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as a result of ongoing conflict.
“The World Food Programme’s operation in Sudan is the largest of its emergency operations worldwide. The WFP’s immediate goal is to reduce the unacceptably high number of people dying and the incidence of acute malnutrition. They are also committed to assisting displaced people to return to their homes and increasing access to education, particularly for girls.
“This comprehensive response will save the lives of thousands of men, women and children, reduce hunger and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict and food shortages. I am delighted that Ireland’s contribution will help the WFP to implement this vital work. By placing the fight against hunger at the heart of our overseas aid programme, Ireland has taken a leadership role internationally on reducing hunger.
“Through Irish Aid, the Government has already provided €4.5 million in emergency humanitarian support for Sudan this year, and we have allocated a further €5.6 million to aid agencies working with vulnerable communities in Sudan, including Concern and Goal. Our support for community based programmes which focus on areas such as primary healthcare, education and rural development, tackle the root causes of hunger and poverty and ultimately help build a more sustainable future for the people of Sudan,” Minister Power said. 
Notes for the editor
Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development. It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Man-made conflicts within and across its borders have pushed Sudan down to no. 150 (out of 182) on the UN’s 2009 Human Development Index. 
This latest funding brings to more than €10.7 million the total aid assistance provided by the Irish Government to Sudan in 2009. Some €5.6 million is dispersed through partnerships with non-government organisations such as Concern, Trocaire and Goal. 
The World Food Programme’s Sudan Emergency Operation entitled “Food Assistance to Populations affected by Conflict” plans to provide emergency assistance to a total of 6.4 million beneficiaries in Sudan with more than 665,000 metric tons of food assistance, and at an overall cost of US$ 873.66 million for 2010.
Ends+++
4January 2010
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:18:29 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83117</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Minister Martin announces €200,000 in academic grants for Conflict Resolution 
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mich&#233;al Martin T.D., has announced the first recipients of the new Academic Research Scheme in Conflict Resolution grants which aim to support academic work in the area of conflict resolution. The scheme is designed to foster collaboration with the academic community as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs Conflict Resolution Initiative. 
Total funding of €200,000 has been allocated to three research programmes in Irish Universities which will examine areas relevant to the work of the Conflict Resolution Unit of the Department. Grants have been awarded to the following three projects:
Dublin City University, ‘Mediating Peace Agreements: the Capacity of the EU as a Multi-track Mediator’ (€80,000)
University of Limerick, ‘Women’s Memory as a Path Toward Justice and Peace in Transitioning Democracies’ (€70,000)
University College Dublin, ‘Patterns of Conflict Resolution: Sequences and Mechanisms in Peace-making and Peace-building. How to draw lessons from Northern Ireland’ (€50,000)
The three grants will run for one year. The grant programme is an innovative means to further strengthen the partnership between government and the academic community and to enhance the exchange of experience and expertise. The programme was administered this year on behalf of the Department by the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences as a separate strand of its Research Development Initiative.
Announcing the results, the Minister stated: 
“I am delighted to announce the successful projects for the first year of this exciting initiative in the area of conflict resolution. My Department is fully committed to cultivating Irish academic expertise in the area of conflict resolution and these research projects will be a critical means of achieving this. 
Irish-based researchers and practitioners in conflict resolution form a reservoir of expertise that Ireland can usefully draw upon. Given our history, we have an important contribution to make to the development of an understanding of the dynamics of conflict and of how peace can be achieved and maintained. 
The Academic Research Scheme in Conflict Resolution will also enable the Irish academic community to enhance its international engagement in the area of conflict resolution. It will help bridge the gap between research, policy and action in the field of peace and conflict studies. It provides a unique opportunity for us to draw upon the important analytical research which is being carried out in the academic community and to explore further synergies in our work.”
Notes for Editors:
The Conflict Resolution Unit was established in the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2007, to lead work on enhancing Ireland’s engagement in conflict resolution activities internationally.  The CRU is based within the Department’s Political Division, and cooperates closely with Irish Aid and the Department’sAnglo-Irish Division. The CRU works with a number of key partners, including the European Union, the United Nations, international NGOs and domestic NGOs. 
The Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) was established in 2000 by the Minister for Education and Science in response to the need to develop Ireland's research capacity and skills base in a rapidly-changing global environment where knowledge is key to economic and social growth. With the support of the National Development Plan, the IRCHSS funds cutting-edge research in the humanities, social sciences, business and law with the objective of creating new knowledge and expertise beneficial to Ireland's economic, social and cultural development.
Ends+++
Press Office 
23 December 2009
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:17:03 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83109</link>
					<description><![CDATA[





Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to tackling hunger and poverty in the developing world in a targeted and effective way in 2010
Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, today reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to the worlds poorest and pledged to deliver a targeted and highly-effective aid programme in 2010.
Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs today, Minister Power said: 
“In 2010, Irish taxpayers, through our development programme, will spend €671 million in some of the poorest countries in the world in the fight against hunger, poverty and exclusion. 
“Over the past six years, Ireland has spent over €4 billion on development assistance. In the current crisis this is a very significant aid programme by any international standard.
“In spite of the very challenging economic climate, €671 million represents 0.52% of projected GNP, putting Ireland ahead of the EU target to spend 0.51% on overseas development by 2010. 
“In 2010, I expect that we will be allocating well in excess of €100 million to our NGO partners, such as Concern, Trocaire and Goal, and missionaries. I will also provide over €100 million to address the continuing scourge of HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases and over €50 million to emergencies and funding for fragile states.
“We have now stabilised the budget and the percentage of GNP spent on overseas aid. We can plan for 2010 with certainty. The challenge for us now is to ensure that the considerable amount of precious taxpayers’ money is directly linked to results and outcomes. I believe our conversation now must move on from ‘how much money’ to ‘how well do we do the job’,” Minister Power said.
Referring to the ongoing climate negotiations in Copenhagen, Minister Power added: “While in Copenhagen earlier this week, I held meetings with representatives of civil society and assured them of the Government’s commitment to increase our focus on supporting developing countries as they cope with adaptation and mitigating the impact of climate change within our development programme. 
“Ireland is fully committed to paying its fair share within a new global climate change and the Taoiseach has pledged that Ireland will contribute up to €100 million in fast-start funding over the three-year period 2010 to 2012. The exact composition of Ireland’s fast-start package will be finalised by the Government but I can say that it will include substantial new and additional funding for developing countries.”
To see the full text of Minister Power’s statement, visit http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/latest_news.asp?article=1534
Ends+++
17 December 2009
Press Office


]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:35:30 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Irish Ambassador to head UN Review of Peacebuilding]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83108</link>
					<description><![CDATA[An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
  Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie

Irish Ambassador to head UN Review of Peacebuilding

The President of the UN General Assembly, HE Dr Ali Abdussalaam Treki, has appointed Anne Anderson, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, as Co-Chair of the Review of the UN Peacebuilding Commission. Welcoming the appointment, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Miche&#225;l Martin T.D., said today:

“This is a great honour for Ireland and for Ambassador Anderson personally. It reflects the high regard in which we are held at the United Nations and acknowledges our strong commitment to UN reform. 

Peacebuilding stands at the heart of the international community’s efforts to maintain peace and security, to promote and protect human rights and to ensure sustainable development. In Ireland, we have first-hand experience of the complexities of crafting a sustainable peace. The long and painstaking work to build peace on our own island helps to inform and underpin our steadfast support for UN peacebuilding. This is an area of priority interest for Ireland at the United Nations. 

Ambassador Anderson brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to this task, having served Ireland with distinction as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Permanent Representative to the European Union, including during Ireland’s 2004 EU Presidency, and most recently as Ambassador to France. Her appointment to this Co-Chairmanship reflects the confidence of the President of the Assembly and her peers in her ability to bring this key review to a successful conclusion”. 

Note for Editors:

The UN Peacebuilding Commission was established by the 2005 UN World Summit, with the objective, inter alia, of helping to prevent countries from lapsing back into conflict. As part of a five year review, the Working Group on the Review of the Peacebuilding Commission will be charged during 2010 with refreshing the vision behind the establishment of the Commission, resulting in an improved common understanding of its purpose, role and operation, so as to enable it to work more effectively in post-conflict countries. Reflecting the Commission’s status as a subsidiary Organ of both the Security Council and the General Assembly, the Working Group will comprise the Permanent Representative of Mexico, as a member of the Security Council, and the Permanent Representative of South Africa, together with Ambassador Anderson, as members of the General Assembly.

Ends+++
17 December 2009
Press Office
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:30:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[New Ambassadors present Credentials]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83107</link>
					<description><![CDATA[An Roinn Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha Preas R&#225;iteas 
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile &#193;tha Cliath 2
Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 353 -1- 478 0822 Fax: 353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476 
  Idirl&#237;on/Internet: www.dfa.ie R&#237;omh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie

New Ambassadors present Credentials
Their Excellencies the Ambassador of Australia, the Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic and the Ambassador of Iceland presented their Letters of Credence to the President at &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in today.
H.E. Mr. Bruce Lawrence Davis was accompanied by Ms Amanda Luttrell, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy.
H.E. Mr. Omer Piankali was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Veronique Piankali and by Mr. Willy Hugues Lemambot Mbele, Attach&#233; at the Embassy of the Gabonese Republic. 
H.E. Mr Benedikt J&#243;nsson was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Adalheidur Oskarsdottir. 
Mr. Dick Roche T.D., Minister for European Affairs, represented the Government at the ceremony. 
The following were also present; Mr. Tim O’Connor, Secretary-General to the President, Mr. Michael Gaffey, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Kathleen White, Chief of Protocol, Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol and Mr. Kieran Dowling, Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassadors were escorted to and from &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks under the command of Lieutenant Thomas Tooher.
The Guard of Honour was provided at &#193;ras an Uachtar&#225;in by troops drawn from the 28th Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Co. Donegal, under the command of Lieutenant Brian Kelly.
The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Captain Declan Whitston.
Ends+++
15 December 2009
Press Office


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					<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:03:39 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Press Office]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83106</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Murder of Fr. Jeremiah Roche
Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche&#225;l Martin, TD
‘I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Fr. Jeremiah Roche in such tragic circumstances. Fr. Jeremiah was a member of the Kiltegan Fathers and had dedicated his life to helping the poorest of the poor in Kenya since 1968. His untimely death is yet another terrible reminder of the threa