Results 141-160 of 46,197 for speaker:Simon Harris

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: In the Sinn Féin housing plan------

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Just give David his chance this week Matt. You might get a go next week. In the Sinn Féin housing plan the party is in favour of reference rents, which the ESRI said would be unworkable and complex and the Housing Agency said would be unworkable, complex and lead to more disputes. Sinn Féin knows what a reference rent would have meant.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: It would have meant increasing the rent for existing tenants. I do not expect consistency from Sinn Féin on policy development, but a little bit of recognition it contested a general election on the basis of abolishing rent pressure zones and replacing them with reference rents, something the Housing Agency the ESRI and I reckon a hell of a lot of renters do not think are a good idea either.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Do not talk to me about the privileged classes when the largest property owner and investor in this House is the Sinn Féin Party. Let us remember Deputy Cullinane's party is the biggest property owner in the Dáil. His party's director of finance Des Mackin boasted to The Irish Times-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: -----a few years ago that Sinn Féin had "40 or 50 [properties], easily"-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: -----across the island. He said the party had "...tried to tidy it up some years ago, but it was too difficult".

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: They do not like the truth. He went on to say, "In Belfast alone we’d have seven ... Nationally, I’d say it exceeds 40 or 50 ..." The biggest property owners and investors in Dáil Éireann are those in Sinn Féin. Do not give me "We are on the side of the working people". It is a load of bull that people see right through. You are the wealthiest party in this...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a range of help and supports to citizens in distress abroad. The Consular Assistance Charger outlines what to expect and sets out steps that we strongly encourage Irish people travelling abroad to take. Assistance is provided to citizens abroad in a range of situations including: Illness or injuries Death Victim of crime Arrest or...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: This conflict remains a central focus of Ireland’s foreign policy and my engagement with my EU and international counterparts. I have repeatedly called on Israel to fully lift its blockade and allow for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza. We have also been clear in our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for the release of remaining hostages. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Communications (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 189, 204 and 205 together. My Department is responsible for managing our diplomatic relations with over 190 States and international organisations. Communications with our counterparts are managed both through the Department at headquarters and across our diplomatic mission network. Communications conveyed or received by my Department and other...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: On May 28, violence broke out between the armies of Thailand and Cambodia in a disputed border region claimed by both states. After a brief exchange of gunfire, a Cambodian service member was killed. Following bilateral discussions, both sides agreed to return to their previously held positions and to create a buffer zone, citing their wish to deescalate tensions and to pursue a peaceful...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government in 2018 with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening of twenty-two new missions under the Strategy. A further five diplomatic missions were approved in 2024 with new embassies planned for Belgrade, Sarajevo and Chisinau, and consulates...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Russia’s brutal war of aggression has inflicted indescribable suffering on the people of Ukraine. Millions have been forced to flee their homeland, and millions more are internally displaced. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, with thousands more, including children, forcibly removed, tortured or arbitrarily imprisoned by Russian forces. Ireland’s support for the people...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: As I have said previously, I condemn any endangerment of the safety of our peacekeepers in the execution of their mandated duties. The incident in Yaroun in May this year was unconscionable. Upon my instruction, on 30 May, immediately after the incident in Yaroun, our Permanent Representation to the United Nations in New York expressed our grave concerns directly to the Permanent Mission...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 to 200, inclusive, together. The Treaty on European Union (TEU) delineates the institutional framework for EU foreign policy. Articles 18 and 24 establish that the High Representative shall conduct the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and represent the Union for matters relating to CFSP. The High Representative, who is also...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together. Ireland is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and views it as the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice. We will continue to work with our international partners, including within the European Union, to support the ICC in fulfilling its mandate. I am aware of an official visit by...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department’s Blended Working policy for staff in Ireland is framed within the context of the broader Civil Service Policy on Blended Working. All officers who avail of blended working are required to attend the office at least 50% of the time, over a four-week period. The specific arrangements of individual work patterns are agreed locally as part of the Blended Working...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme includes various projects to upgrade, replace or purchase new equipment, including the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. This project is included in the rolling Equipment Development Plan for the Defence Forces which encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Army, Air Corps...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I wish to advise the Deputy that the United Nations (UN) regularly makes general requests for additional personnel to be made available to their missions in the area of mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and disposal of explosive remnants of war. The Defence Forces has built up considerable experience and expertise in the field of EOD and Counter Improvised Explosive Device...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Civil Defence (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Volunteer and Equipment Management System (VEMS) was rolled out for Civil Defence in July 2023. Training continues to be provided to new and existing Civil Defence Officers and Assistant Civil Defence Officers by the Department and as part of peer-to-peer training. This ensure inputs to the system are timely and relevant. VEMS has proven to be an effective tool for both Civil Defence...