Results 28,141-28,160 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: Very tight lobbying legislation has been brought in in recent years. I think Deputy Howlin was involved in that. It is good legislation and it may well be tested in the context of some issues that have been raised in recent days. If lobbyists have acted in a way that is inconsistent with the law, then there are independent mechanisms to ensure that they are held to account. We will see...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: This is a serious issue. I have spoken to Deputy Harris about it on a number of occasions because we all deal with families and young people affected by scoliosis. I will hand over to the Minister of State in that Department to provide a more detailed answer.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: I would like more time to respond to that but I will briefly say that an enormous amount of contingency planning is under way across Government. It is my Department's job to co-ordinate that. Before the summer, we will publish a framework document on what that looks like but it will not give all of the detail because it does not make sense to publish some reports that may undermine our...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: I agree that early intervention and early assessment are essential for children on the autistic spectrum. We put more resources into disability all the time. That will continue. This will develop as a conversation between the Minister for Health and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: We have a lot of ambition relating to renewable energy development in Ireland. We have one of the highest contributions from wind on our electricity grid and that is growing. We have a huge funding programme under way for ocean energy research, which we want to develop into reality. I would have to see the new proposed targets and speak to the Minister involved before making a commitment...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: There is a big focus on trying to recruit more nurses into the system. They are being offered full-time contracts and other incentives to stay in Ireland and work in the health system. However, it is important to acknowledge that nurses work in many tough environments in the health system. The emergency departments in many hospitals are particularly pressurised. It is not easy for nurses...

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: ------by implementing a reform programme and a dramatic and steady increase in funding for the health system to provide a better working environment and better working conditions.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, has informed me that the Department of Health is aware of what is happening in the United Kingdom in that regard and that it is being considered by it.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: We are not talking about the numbers again, are we?

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: As an aside, the more we talk about the numbers, the more foolish we look to those on the outside.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: That is not a reflection on you at all, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: That is good. I hope so.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: I understand the system might finish today, which is good news for everybody.

Questions on Promised Legislation (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: The education (parent and student charter) Bill went through pre-legislative scrutiny in November 2017. It is on the priority list but it is proving to be more complicated than we had thought, but it is a priority and the Government intends to bring it forward soon.

Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2018: First Stage (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: No.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Enlargement (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: Enlargement remains an important policy for the future stability of the European Union and its neighbouring countries. Enhancing the European perspective of the Western Balkans is a key strategic priority for the Bulgarian Presidency. The Strategy for the Western Balkans was published by the European Commission on 6 February. It confirmed the European perspective of the region and set out an...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and of its importance for human rights defenders who are working in the field of environmental and indigenous rights in Honduras. I am also aware of the difficult situation which currently pertains for human rights defenders in Honduras more generally. Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade met just last week in Dublin with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Freedom of Speech (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: The legislation to which the Deputy refers is an amendment to Poland’s Act on the Institute of National Remembrance – Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation Act – which criminalises public claims of responsibility or co-responsibility by the Polish nation or the Republic of Poland for Nazi crimes. The amendment was signed by the President of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers, as well as other difficulties faced by human rights defenders in Mexico. Our Embassy in Mexico City is monitoring developments in this particular case. In addition, I understand that this matter has already been raised by members of the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee, including through submissions to President Enrique Peña...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Fees (19 Apr 2018)

Simon Coveney: The cost of the standard ten year adult Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At a cost of €80, which breaks down to €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €8.70 per year for a British passport, €8.60 per year for a French passport, €8.9per year for renewal of an American passport and €17.70 per...