Results 14,281-14,300 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: -----in terms of its own engagement. Ireland is committed to remaining a constructive and active member and will engage in that regard, as we have done in the past. We have considered ourselves over the years to be an Ireland at the heart of Europe. We value our membership of the EU. In the context of the forthcoming negotiations, it is important that the process of ongoing development of...

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: -----and how that might be mitigated.

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: When Deputy Howlin said that much of the debate has been negative, I acknowledge that because I do not see any good news on the matter of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. I believe it was a bad decision and is a difficult issue.

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The answer to that question is that it is possible to do that once an element of progress is made early on in the negotiations on the issues that the EU has prioritised. I am very pleased and make no apologies for the fact that Ireland has been prioritised in that regard in respect of our Border, citizenship and the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, which is something we sought...

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: On the last question, it is too early to pre-empt the final decision. Certainly it is the Irish Government's desire that these matters can be completed by means of an orderly process without any requirement for treaty change at the end of the process. There was criticism earlier about the debate. It is important for this House to debate the matter. I request the Business Committee give...

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The object of the exercise will be to find common ground on the maintenance of that open Border, common ground with our UK colleagues-----

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: ----- and also with the European Union 26.

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Of course, we can have a debate.

European Council Meeting: Statements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: There are questions every day.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Issues (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The State is not currently subject to any fines for breaches of EU law. The responsibility for transposing EU legislation into Irish law rests with those Departments with responsibility for the policy areas covered by those measures. In this regard, the Government places high priority across Departments on timely transposition of EU legislation to reduce the risks of financial penalties...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Prisoners Abroad (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and very substantial resources and time are being devoted to it. This case has had an extraordinary degree of high-level political engagement, investment in terms of person-hours, consultation with third parties worldwide, and consular visits and trial monitoring. The Government has been doing everything possible to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland and the European Union do not recognise as legal or provide assistance to the development of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. We maintain very clearly the position that settlements are illegal, and harmful both to the Palestinian people and to the prospects for peace between Israel and its neighbours. Ireland has consistently highlighted the issue of settlements in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 622, 623, 626, 627, 630 and 650 together. I am aware of alarming reports by international human rights organisations and in the media of a campaign of abduction, abuse and ill-treatment of men in the Chechen Republic on the basis of their sexual orientation. If confirmed, these actions would amount to serious violations of fundamental human rights. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has made a formal submission to the Health Insurance Authority’s (HIA) review of the Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) legislation, and recently held a follow up meeting with HIA representatives. As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has responsibility for the administration of foreign postings for officials from all Government...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will be aware, a person must, among other things, be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him or her. This requirement is set out in the Passports Act, 2008, which stipulates the conditions under which the Passport Service is permitted to issue passports. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is in turn subject to the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland is participating in the 27thUniversal Periodic Review which began yesterday, and will make a statement on the human rights situation in Morocco when it is reviewed today. Ireland has consistently supported the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Ireland has not taken a position on the future status of the territory, so long as that status is decided in a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Prisoners Abroad (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and very substantial resources and time are being devoted to it. This case has had an extraordinary degree of high-level political engagement, investment in terms of person-hours, consultation with third parties worldwide, and consular visits and trial monitoring. The Government has been doing everything possible to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of the situation of the Guarani-Kaiowá people and the challenges faced by indigenous populations in Brazil and across Latin America, to which the Deputy refers. Ireland condemns any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against indigenous and environmental human rights defenders in Brazil or elsewhere. Officials in my Department, both at home and abroad,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: A central pillar of the Government’s response to last year’s UK referendum on EU membership has been strategic outreach to EU partners and Institutions to ensure that the unique Irish perspective on Brexit is understood before negotiations begin. To that end, a significant programme of engagements with EU partners began after the referendum and is continuing. To date, there...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (2 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (the Act). The Act provides that a person must, among other things, be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him or her. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is, in turn, subject to the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. Up until 29 November 2005, spouses of...