Results 221-240 of 47,282 for speaker:Simon Harris

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: It is on the Government's priority publication list for this term. It will be brought forward in this term. I do not want anyone to misinterpret what I am saying here. I am committed to passing the occupied territories Bill, to working with the committee and on an all-party basis, and to considering the pre-legislative scrutiny report which my officials have been doing. I am telling the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: My colleague, the Minister for Transport, is currently investigating a number of issues and reports that were brought to his attention in relation to that. There is a very significant logistical issue in terms of what happens in skies well above our territory. The Minister has received a number of issues that were brought to his attention. He is pursuing that and I will ask him to provide...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: When is the Deputy going to outline what proposal he thinks the Irish Government should put in place in relation to this?

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: The Minister is looking at all the various legal options that are there. I hope that when I next come to this House to set out the need to invest more in defence, security, radar and sonar, we will not be accused of militarisation but will be accused of actually having a better understanding of what happens in our skies and seas.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: These are matters for the individual funds. I am not aware of any current proposals in relation to those.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I certainly do not want to see investment in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories, much like I do not want to see trade with them. My understanding is that the Minister has set out the legal position in relation to how that fund operates. I will ask him to provide the Deputy with further information because he has policy responsibility in this area. The Minister for Finance has...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: The Minister for Finance has outlined the position in relation to that. It is always open to the Opposition to also bring forward policy and legislative proposals in relation to these matters.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: The Deputy can bring forward a Bill himself.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: Of course I will. As the Deputy knows well, Maroš Šefčovič agrees with that. That is why at the College of Commissioners, President von der Leyen put forward proposals and proposals were adopted. I am not in any way getting involved in politics today on this, but the problem is no longer that the European Commission is not bringing forward proposals; it is that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I join the Deputy in expressing my sincere sympathy and absolute condemnation in relation to what has happened at the synagogue in Manchester. The information is still developing as we are in this House, but I understand that two people have now died. Today is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. That adds to the horror of an attack and brutal murder outside of a synagogue....

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I truthfully do not. The facts bear that out. Türkiye, Italy and Spain sent boats. It was not as though their citizens were treated in any way better or preferentially in relation this. European boats were present and available to our Irish citizens in the same way they were available to other citizens of the European Union. We have been working in lockstep with European...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I too spoke to Senator Andrews, at the Deputy's request, the other day. I have kept in contact with him in recent days. I had the opportunity to meet some of the families here the other day when we had the all-party motion in the Dáil, as did our head of consular services and the Minister of State with responsibility for international aid, Deputy Richmond. My understanding is that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I am sorry but I forgot to answer the Deputy's specific question about injuries. We have no reports of any injuries to Irish citizens. I am very conscious of the volatile and dangerous environment. We have no information on any injuries. Our head of consular services has been in regular contact with the point of co-ordination for the flotilla – someone familiar to both of us. We...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: The first priority is the Irish citizens who are detained and the absolute priority alongside that is to keep their families informed about any information we have. We are working closely with the families and trying to keep the lines of communication open. I have shared all of the information we have available and I and my Department will continue to do so. It is an evolving situation. ...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: Yes, I do. I spoke with my Spanish counterpart this morning in relation to this. The full answer I should give is that we are determining all of the facts at the moment in an evolving situation. I am very clear that peace activists trying to highlight a humanitarian catastrophe and bring aid to the people of Gaza were apprehended and detained by Israeli authorities. As I commented...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: Yes, we recognise the State of Palestine. We are now one of more than 150 countries globally to do so. I think Deputy Ó Laoghaire understood me, but I have been very clear in the statements I have issued on behalf of the Irish Government with 14 other European countries that international law matters, it has to be upheld, and there has to be accountability. What I am saying very...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I say this very respectfully: I am very open to hearing suggestions from across this House and from all parliaments about what actions they believe the Government should be taking that we are not. In recent days people suggested that we join the Spanish ship, for example. I do not say this to be in any way disrespectful to Spain, with whom we are working very closely, but last night the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank all Members across the House for agreeing to the change to the Dáil schedule and facilitating this debate on the concerning developments regarding the Global Sumud Flotilla. I know that everyone’s overriding concern is for the safety and welfare of our Irish citizens who are on a mission of solidarity with the people of Palestine. This House, the Oireachtas and our...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 212, inclusive, together. Ireland is committed to promoting the fundamental rights of all groups, including asylum seekers. We have a strong track record of supporting fair, effective international asylum procedures that align with international human rights standards. Ireland consistently utilises our membership of the EU, the Council of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Strategies (2 Oct 2025)

Simon Harris: This PQ would be for answer by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality who are the lead Department for the development of this National Strategy.