Results 26,861-26,880 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Travel (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together. The Government position remains that we do not support any parliamentary delegation visiting North Korea at this time, given the sensitivities involved. Ireland fully supports the EU policy on the DPRK and the international sanctions regime against North Korea as outlined in multiple UN Security Council Resolutions. Ireland...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: White Paper on the Future of Europe (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: Following the UK vote to leave the EU a debate on the Future of Europe was launched by EU Heads of State and Government in Bratislava in September 2016. The European Commission subsequently published a White Paper on the Future of Europe, and followed up with a series of reflection papers covering a number of key issues including European Defence, EMU and Globalisation. The main thrust of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Court of Human Rights Judgments (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: On 2 December 2014, the Government announced its decision to request the European Court of Human Rights to revise its 1978 judgment in the case taken by Ireland against the UK. The request was filed with the Court on 4 December 2014. On the basis of new material uncovered, the Government has contended that the ill-treatment suffered by the victims should be recognised as torture. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Severe Weather Events Response (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: The offices of my Department in Ireland, including Passport Offices, remained closed on 16 October and staff were advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary. My Department provided a consular and passport duty officer service to the public for matters requiring urgent attention on that day. Staff and members of the public were informed via social media channels and the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: The situation in Libya remains very worrying, with instability and ongoing conflict making life extremely difficult for ordinary Libyans as well as for migrants. I am aware of credible reports on the terrible conditions faced by many migrants and refugees in Libya, including those set out by the organisation referenced by the Deputy. I strongly condemn all human rights violations and abuses....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: The tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are a matter of deep concern, especially given the potential for this to impact more broadly on the region. I call on all concerned to work to de-escalate tensions, and to resolve disagreements peacefully. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are significant players in the Middle East region, a region where leadership in promoting peace is very much needed....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: Ireland, along with our EU partners, supports the achievement of a two state solution to the Middle East conflict. This support includes political efforts to encourage a resumption of direct negotiations, which are ultimately the only way to achieve peace. It also includes action on the ground on human rights and justice issues affecting Palestinians under occupation, including settlement...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: The European Council Guidelines of 29 April 2017 foresee that parallel discussions on the framework for a future EU-UK relationship, including possible transitional arrangements, will get under way as soon as sufficient progress has been made on the EU’s key priorities in the withdrawal process – notably citizens’ rights, the UK’s financial settlement and the Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (14 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: At its meeting on 20 October, the European Council welcomed the progress made in the EU-UK negotiations to date but agreed that further work is needed before it can agree that sufficient progress has be made on all of the exit issues - citizens’ rights, the UK’s financial settlement and the issues unique to Ireland – to enable discussions on the framework for a future...

Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Order for Report Stage (15 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Arms Trade (15 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: At the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 13 November 2017, I joined with my EU foreign minister counterparts to adopt Council Conclusions on Venezuela and to agree by unanimity targeted restrictive measures, including an arms embargo and a legal framework for an asset freeze and travel ban against persons involved in the non-respect of democratic principles or the rule of law and the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (15 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: I remain deeply concerned about the violence which has taken place in Rakhine State, Myanmar since 25 August, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis both within Rakhine State and across the border in Bangladesh. Ireland is committed to contributing to international efforts to alleviate the immediate needs of the refugees that have entered Bangladesh, which now number over...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Colombian Peace Process (15 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the incidences of violence and intimidation perpetrated against social leaders in Colombia as well as of the worrying level of assassinations to which the Deputy refers. I wish, first of all, to extend to all of those affected by recent acts of violence in Colombia my sincere sympathies and condolences. Violence and intimidation against local communities in marginalised rural...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (16 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: Is it four minutes for a reply?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Diplomatic Representation (16 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: The doubling of Ireland's global footprint by 2025 began with the recent Government decision to open new embassies in Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; Amman in Jordan and Wellington in New Zealand, and new consulates in Vancouver in western Canada and Mumbai in India, on a phased basis from 2018. Our expanding network will enhance Ireland's visibility globally, extend our influence...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Diplomatic Representation (16 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, was correct. Doubling our international footprint is not just about doubling the number of embassies or consulates, although there will be many more embassies and consulates; it is also about working with other State agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland. It is about doubling the presence of Ireland...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Diplomatic Representation (16 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: There is fair comment in what the Deputy says. This ambition was only put in place in August. We then set about preparing for an initial budget to really make clear to people that we are serious about delivering on that ambition. We focused on obvious areas from which Ireland is absent, in which we should develop a presence and where there is real trading and commercial opportunity and, in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (16 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: I have a written reply to that, which the Deputy will get, but I will answer directly. It is to be hoped we are coming towards the end of the first phase of negotiations but that is not necessarily the case unless the sufficient progress test can be passed. The three issues are citizens' rights, the financial settlement and Irish issues. Within the Irish issues are three core issues. The...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (16 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: We want to ensure there is no regulatory divergence in Northern Ireland from the rest of Ireland. We would prefer for that to apply to all of Britain in order that we can continue to function on the island of Ireland, consistent with the Good Friday Agreement, ensuring that North-South co-operation can happen. If the rulebook changes between the two jurisdictions, that becomes much more...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (16 Nov 2017)

Simon Coveney: Yes.