Results 841-860 of 46,197 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (7 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this case. I am sorry to learn of the citizen’s situation and I appreciate that this is a difficult period for them and their family. I can confirm that officials in my Department and the relevant Embassy are aware of this case and are providing ongoing consular assistance to the family. Embassy officials have engaged with the family on a number...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (7 May 2025)

Simon Harris: The sinking of the RMS Leinster in the Irish Sea in 1918 resulted in huge loss of life of people from many parts of the world. The work of the RMS Leinster Memorial Committee in ensuring that this maritime disaster, and the many lives lost, are not forgotten is very important. For this reason, the government supported a significant commemorative event in Dún Laoghaire in 2018 to mark...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (7 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Hayes for the question. My Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of more than 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas. This is done with a view to trying to help them to make informed decisions for themselves. The advice is based on consultation with our embassies...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (7 May 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department follows the question of Taiwan's participation at the World Heath Assembly closely. The World Health Assembly, which takes place this year from 19-27 May, is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), attended by delegations from all WHO Member States, and observers. Observers currently include the Holy See and Palestine, international organisations (such...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Ministerial Responsibilities (7 May 2025)

Simon Harris: Mr. Thomas Byrne TD is the Minister of State at the Department of Defence. He is also Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for European Affairs. He was appointed by the Taoiseach to these separate roles on 29th January 2025. Full responsibility for Defence policies, the Department of Defence, and the Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Cycling Facilities (7 May 2025)

Simon Harris: The Cycle to Work Scheme is implemented under a salary sacrifice arrangement through an employee's payroll. Under this arrangement my Department funds the purchase of the bicycle and/or safety equipment for the employee who agrees to forego or sacrifice part of his or her salary for over an agreed period in order to cover the cost. In this context there is no cost to my Department to...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Bodies (7 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together. Following on from Government Decision No S29296 of 19 May 2009, there is a requirement on all Government Departments and associated agencies to pay their suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice and to publish a quarterly payment performance report on the Departmental website. Government Decision S29296 of 28 March 2017...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I know this is a serious issue and has been in Dublin Mid-West, where it seems to arise particularly as an issue. There are approximately 1,803 public health nurses employed in the HSE and we have provided funding for another 26.7 - let us call that 27 - whole-time-equivalent posts in this year’s budget. My note here tells me that the HSE is making good progress recruiting those...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am aware of the commitment that was made and the anxiety people are feeling. I do not have the information in front of me today but I will ask the Minister directly to revert to the Deputy. I will outline that the Deputy has raised the issue and the urgency of trying to resolve this matter for her constituents.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I think the Government’s position in relation to Palestine is very clear and so does the President of the Palestinian Authority, its Prime Minister and its ambassador to Ireland. Ireland stands in solidarity with the need for a two-state solution. Ireland believes in two states and we recognise the State of Palestine to keep that hope alive. We have taken a number of practical...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I believe very much in protest in a democracy, that is, protest obviously within the law. I also believe our gardaí generally do a very good job in this country. I am not familiar with the protest the Deputy mentioned. I truthfully am not.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: If anyone has any concerns on that, there are mechanisms by which they can be raised. However, protest is absolutely lawful in this country, that is, peaceful protest. It takes place and is an important part of a healthy democracy.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Cahill very much. I agree with him that Skellig Michael is such a beautiful treasure and an amazing place. I share his view that it is so important to support the maintenance and protection of what is a UNESCO heritage site and also to examine how we can assist tourists in getting there in an appropriate way. Therefore, I will certainly speak to the Minister of State, Deputy...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Ó Muirí for raising this issue. We do need to consider the timeline for implementation. We find ourselves in a very new trade environment and we always say we have to try to control what we can control. This is certainly something that at least merits consideration when we hear the concerns expressed. I believe this falls into that category. I am not in a...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Ó Murchú. I cannot really win on the GAA question because by pleasing him I could offend the Minister, Deputy McEntee. There is no winning on this other than to wish everybody well. On the serious issue the Deputy raised – it is not that the GAA is not serious – on Liberty IT, the challenge there and, no doubt, the real worry and stress for...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: On the legacy Act, the Irish Government took a case not because of pressure from any political party but because it believes in international law, human rights and the Good Friday Agreement. We took one in a very difficult situation. We did not want to find ourselves in that position, but I can report to the House very good and constructive engagement between me and the Secretary of State...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy can imagine, since both of us live in the area, I share her frustration on this. We know very well that as the review was carried out, there were some people, including in our constituency, who saw significant fare reductions, but there have also been what I regard as anomalies in that some towns have seen significant fare increases. In this regard, the Deputy rightly referred...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: Nothing like that has happened at all. The Government has established a housing activation office. We would be delighted to constructively engage with the Deputy and all of the Opposition in terms of how this office can work effectively. We have all seen the need to break down silos, second people and bring in expertise. We should not be referring to people outside the House by their...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: The Minister, Deputy Calleary, tells me he intends to engage directly with the Minister, Deputy Browne, on planning guidelines specifically for the Gaeltacht. I will ask the Minister to engage directly with the Deputy in regard to her feedback on the issue.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2025)

Simon Harris: The Government and I share the Deputy's view on what we are seeing in terms of the stopping of aid getting into Gaza. It is despicable and it is causing untold harm, to put it very mildly. One cannot find the words to capture how horrific the situation is in Gaza. I thank the Deputy for his comments regarding the Government's intervention on behalf of Ireland at the ICJ. I assure him that...