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Donohoe defends appointment of Zappone as UN special envoy for freedom of expression

Zappone will be assisting Minister Simon Coveney with United Nations business.

FORMER MINISTER FOR Children Katherine Zappone is to be appointed UN special envoy on freedom of opinion and expression. 

Cabinet approved the role this afternoon.

Defending the appointment, which was not publicly advertised, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said Zappone will be doing work on behalf of the Irish government for a two-year period.

Zappone will be paid a salary at the same level of “middle management” in the Department of Foreign Affairs, but Donohoe did not state the figure.

It is understood Zappone is set to earn €13,000-€15,000 before tax, as the salary is on a pro rata basis.

No additional money will be provided to the department for the new role, which the minister said would come from the existing Department of Foreign Affairs budget.

The department said the appointment will provide “enhanced capacity for engagement on Irish human rights priorities”. 

The finance minister defended the fact that role was not publicly advertised, stating that it is “appropriate” that some roles be appointed by government. He said Zappone has a long career in defending human rights.

Donohoe told reporters today that Zappone is “eminently qualified to do the work”, adding that she has a strong record in public life here in Ireland 

She has “devoted” her life to such causes, and has a”deep understanding” of the Irish government’s position on such matters, added Donohoe, who said she will do a “good job” in making those views clear in the US and the UN.

Zappone was previously appointed the government’s special envoy for Ireland’s candidature for election to the UN Security Council, a seat which Ireland now holds.

Before becoming a senator and TD, Zappone held the position as Commissioner for the Irish Human Rights Commission and Equality Commission.

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    Mute Declan Byrne
    Favourite Declan Byrne
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    Feb 4th 2014, 8:24 AM

    Let me tell you about separation amd divorce well there is only one winner that is solicitors and barristers. If the divorce is messy you can be looking at 25 to 45 k figure.

    The courts are a joke you could be in for a 5 minute hearing and told to come back in a month then your case might not ne heard if the courts too busy.

    If the other side doesnt turn up they are usualy given 3 tries on turning up and still a jidge doesnt like making a decision if the other side isnt there.

    It is a nightmare.

    My advice even if you hate each other try and be on talking terms for the divorce or not you both walk away with hefty bills.

    Another point don’t think you are going to out smart the courts and dont think your lies wont catch up with you. Don’t think you will get all most likely it will be 50 50.

    50
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    Mute Just4 TheJournal
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    Feb 4th 2014, 8:26 AM

    In 20 years time you’ll be able to get married and divorce using only a QR code. It will eventually be so easy to get divorced there will be no point getting married except to give the hotel a year’s wages.

    22
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    Mute Doey Walsh
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    Feb 4th 2014, 8:45 AM

    Bit sad that we look at divorce and separation so lightly nowadays IMO.

    Still, one more reason not to get married I suppose.

    19
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    Mute Declan Byrne
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    Feb 4th 2014, 8:57 AM

    Doey divorce and sepeartion is necessary as there is nothing as bad as been in a relationship that is on the rocks. Relationships break down for many reasons and not all can be sorted .

    By no means is separation or divorce easy it is very taxing on a person both health wise and mentally plus financially. There is no such thing as an easy way out.

    44
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    Mute Doey Walsh
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    Feb 4th 2014, 9:11 AM

    I completely agree with you Dec, which is why I say it should be avoided, for me the courts treat it like a circus and its vicious for everyone involved.

    17
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    Mute Ernie Looney
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    Feb 4th 2014, 11:36 AM

    The length of time required to wait for a divorce should be reduced to two years and a separate court to deal with it.

    16
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Feb 4th 2014, 9:04 AM

    I’m divorced from somebody who doesn’t exist because the Registrar General did not act when informed of a fraud on a marriage certificate and judges didn’t read the paperwork.
    The system is designed so that if anyone has a real issue, they are expected to sort it out on appeal.
    After almost 15 years of divorce there are still no plans to introduce a register of divorces and more plans to make an offence for whistleblowing in childcare proceedings.

    8
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    Mute Eilish Deegan
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    Feb 4th 2014, 9:02 AM

    Or u could read The Midnight Companion ,written to help Irish people (especially) to deal with the emotional side to divorce and separation .Its brilliant.

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    Mute Randy Fisher
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    Feb 6th 2014, 5:05 PM

    Never get married. Rent it but don’t buy it.

    2
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    Mute Catherine Mill
    Favourite Catherine Mill
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    Feb 4th 2014, 6:31 PM

    The court corporation is designed to make profit with judge as banker and solicitors soliciting business, “expert” witnesses” guardians etc feeding off the misery of all involved.
    Solicitors will egg their client on to cause drama and prolong the case,set parties against each other and therein lies the profit.

    2
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    Mute Catherine Mill
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    Feb 4th 2014, 6:23 PM

    We could return to our own marriage laws and keep away from the British family law system.

    We could only marry the other being and not have the church/state in the contract.

    Then we would never have to seek permission from the 3rd party in the contract and go to court, solicitors etc

    1
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    Mute Ina Smidiríní
    Favourite Ina Smidiríní
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    Feb 5th 2014, 10:07 AM

    Only the lowest of low amongst solicitors do this work. If you meet a family law solicitor on a night out just walk the other way.

    1
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