Results 3,161-3,180 of 50,134 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: When I say that the European Parliament elections should be respected and reflected in the composition of the senior positions, the bottom line is that the European People's Party, EPP, was returned as the largest single political group, followed by the socialist group and the liberal group. Just as in the aftermath of a Dáil election, parties get together and make decisions. That is...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: As we approach the tenth month of the conflict in Gaza, the utmost priority remains the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. I welcome the three-phase ceasefire plan outlined by President Biden at the beginning of this month. This has since been endorsed by the UN Security Council in UN Security...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: There is no doubt that there have been breaches of international humanitarian law and it continues on a systemic basis by Israel and by Hamas. I note the Deputy has not called out Hamas in his comments. I think he should do so because it could also lay down arms right now and contribute very significantly to a ceasefire. It could release the hostages. We need to be equally strong in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. At the informal European Council meeting on 17 June, leaders reflected on the outcome of the European Parliament elections and focused on the new EU institutional cycle, which included the position of President of the European Commission. There was an acknowledgement that the outcome of the European elections should be respected and reflected in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: First, I acknowledge the Deputy's acknowledgement of President von der Leyen's role in Brexit. It should not be understated. I believe the Deputy's party was very supportive of President von der Leyen at the time in respect of the role of the Commission with regard to Brexit and its impact on Ireland, and, indeed, on Northern Ireland in particular and all of the issues relating to the Good...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I welcome the adoption of European Union sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, adopted on 19 March 2024. I also welcome that the EU has adopted sanctions against Hamas for sexual and gender-based violence committed on 7 October. Ireland has continued to push for further sanctions against violent West Bank settlers at an EU level. Following Ireland's advocacy, it is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Passport Service is in a strong position to deal with the current volume of applications during the busy summer season. As I mentioned earlier, over 625,000 passports have been issued to date. Passport turnaround times are: • 10 working days for simple adult online renewals • 15 working days for complex or child online renewals • 20 working days for first time...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 28 together. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the British and Irish Governments have a shared duty to deliver on the vision and commitments of the Agreement that provide the overarching framework for deepening peace, political stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Effectively addressing the painful legacy of the Troubles has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: In February 2024, the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The issue was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 18 March and by the Taoiseach in a meeting with President...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 29 together. Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine on 28 May was a very significant moment in the long-standing bilateral relationship between Ireland and Palestine. Ireland’s support for the Palestinian people is underpinned by several pillars of our international engagement. This includes our active advocacy and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 35 and 44 together. On 24 June, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, where Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine was a key focus of discussion. As is now common practice, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, joined us by VC at the beginning of the discussion. I greatly value this regular opportunity to hear...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 54 together. Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It is crucial that we maintain this resolve and support for Ukraine at this critical time. Russia’s brutal invasion has had appalling consequences for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 30 together. In February 2024, the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The issue was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 18...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 39 and 52 together. Since the beginning of this crisis, I have been in regular contact with my counterparts in European Union Member States and the EU institutions, pressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Ireland has also consistently pushed...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This award-winning service has allowed for the centralisation of passport processing and has resulted in greater efficiencies for our citizens and for the Passport Service. Passport Online is a user-friendly, efficient service that is currently issuing the vast majority of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 36 and 59 together. As we approach the tenth month of the conflict in Gaza, the utmost priority remains the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. I welcome the three-phase ceasefire plan outlined by President Biden at the beginning of this month. This has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Heritage Projects (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department will liaise with relevant authorities in Ireland in the first instance to review the current circumstances, or existence, of the crown of Brian Boru, former High King of Ireland. This matter is unconfirmed at present and a question of some dispute among historical experts.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: In my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have met in-person with the British Foreign Secretary on three occasions. The Deputy will be aware that this position was held by the Home Secretary James Cleverly from September 2022 to November 2023. The then Foreign Secretary and I first met in-person at the Munich Security Conference in February 2023, following a call earlier that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: "Global Ireland: Ireland’s Strategy for the US and Canada 2019 – 2025" was launched in 2019, part of the Government's Global Ireland programme. The Strategy aims to strengthen Ireland's unique relationships with the United States and Canada, building upon our existing deep ties based on ancestral links, embedded trading relationships and ongoing people-to-people links. Ireland...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 38 together. Ireland remains deeply concerned at the ongoing erosion of human rights in Russia, and the persecution of individuals for exercising their personal freedoms, including rights to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly. The domestic political situation in Russia has descended into authoritarianism in recent years and has...