Results 27,081-27,100 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: We are waiting for, and want to support, a new peace initiative that can get people around a negotiating table to get an outcome that both sides can live with.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: It is not waffle.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: The fact that the Deputy cannot accept the answer says a lot.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: The Deputy also does not know what is going on in the region.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: It is impossible for me to comment on a case that I do not have any detail of.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: All I would say is-----

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: -----that the Government has taken initiatives recently and again in the budget to try to provide low-cost finance to support cashflow for farmers, particularly in the context of a response to Brexit. We will continue to work with the banks on issues like that.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: My understanding is that it is being drafted but I will try to come back with a more accurate date.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: Before the Minister for Health replies I would like to use the opportunity, as Deputy Niall Collins did earlier, to recognise the role of An Garda Síochána in responding to organised crime and the drugs trade, and the serving member of the force who was shot this morning. I am glad to say his injury is not serious but it is a reminder to us of the extraordinary work the force is...

Permanent Structured Cooperation: Motion (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: I move:That Dáil Éireann approves Ireland’s participation in Permanent Structured Cooperation, pursuant to the provisions of section 3 of the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. In commending the motion, I firstly wish to confirm that the Government is fully satisfied that Ireland's participation in PESCO will enhance the capability of UN-mandated missions engaged in...

Permanent Structured Cooperation: Motion (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: I understand they will be. My apologies. If not, if my office is listening, it should get them here. It is also worth noting that the matter of Ireland's intention to participate in PESCO has been the subject of further extensive discussions. It has been the subject of European Council and Foreign Affairs Council conclusions which have been debated and discussed in this House and its...

Permanent Structured Cooperation: Motion (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: That is a fair point.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (7 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: The Government is determined to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts is fully protected and respected in the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and this has been a headline priority since the UK referendum result. As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government has a solemn responsibility to protect the Agreement in all its parts and the gains of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Communications (12 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 116 together. I propose taking questions 98 and 116 together. I have been in frequent contact with Michel Barnier during this critical phase in the Article 50 negotiations. At the General Affairs Council (Article 50) on 20 November, Mr Barnier provided an update to the EU27 Member States on the state of play with regard to the EU-UK...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North-South Implementation Bodies (12 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: The main forum for advancing North South co-operation is the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which was established under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement. In the Council, the Government works with the Northern Ireland Executive to advance areas of practical co-operation which are to our mutual benefit, and the Council oversees co-operation in the agreed twelve Areas or...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (12 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 106 together. The situation in Syria continues to be one of utmost concern. The conflict, which is now in its seventh year, has cost an estimated half a million lives. Over 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria, including close to 3 million people trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Over 5.5 million have...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (12 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 108 and 115 together. On 6 December I issued a public statement on the announcement by the US Government about Jerusalem, which was as follows: “Jerusalem is one of the permanent status issues which is to be settled in a final peace agreement in the Middle East. It has been the united position of the international community for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (12 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together. It has been the Government’s consistent position that the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland would be for the UK to stay in the Single Market and Customs Union. However, this is ultimately a decision for the UK and, as of now, the UK government’s stated position is that they will leave the Single Market and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North-South Implementation Bodies (12 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: The term “all-island economy” stems from a Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy, which was launched by the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference in October 2006. This Study set out an ambitious range of strategies and collaborative actions aimed at maximising the competitive advantages of the island of Ireland, developing initiatives designed to boost economic...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (12 Dec 2017)

Simon Coveney: As I have stated previously in this House and elsewhere, the situation between Qatar and its neighbours is a matter of concern. Ireland strongly supports regional cooperation and dialogue, and believes that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) makes a contribution to the stability of the wider Arab region. First and foremost, the relationship between Qatar and the other Gulf countries is an...