Results 29,541-29,560 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the Deputy’s ongoing concerns about the accommodation situation for prisoners in Maghaberry Prison. The management of the prison is a matter for the Northern Ireland Prison Service, an agency of the Department of Justice at Stormont. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s day-to-day role is limited to adjudicating on prisoners' access to the separated...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 159 together. Last week agreement was reached between EU and UK negotiators on the text of the Withdrawal Agreement. On 14 November, Prime Minister May and her cabinet indicated that, for the British Government, the draft text of the Withdrawal Agreement is an acceptable basis on which to proceed. This is a very significant and welcome breakthrough in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Advertising Data (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: My Department engages in advertising and public awareness campaigns where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens. Some examples of these campaigns have included the Online Passport Renewals Service and a ‘Citizens Dialogue on the Future of Europe’ initiative. A public information campaign to promote awareness of Government-wide...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: Over the past seven years, we have been horrified by the suffering caused by the Syria conflict, and by the acts of the Assad regime in relation to its people. This conflict actually began, in March 2011, as a result of popular revulsion against the mistreatment of people in custody. Ireland and the EU have repeatedly condemned violations of international humanitarian law and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Brexit negotiations have been a long and complex process, and we should first welcome the progress made in getting to the current juncture. Prime Minister May’s Cabinet have indicated that, for their side, the draft text for the Withdrawal Agreement is an acceptable basis on which to proceed towards a meeting of the European Council to sign-off on it. We can now look ahead to a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The promotion and protection of human rights internationally is a foreign policy priority for my Department. Ireland works closely with EU and UN partners in the multilateral fora to monitor non-compliance with international human rights standards. Ireland frequently raises issues of human rights abuses, in a national capacity, through the human rights mechanisms of the UN including the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The peace process in the Middle East is currently at a standstill, and I have made clear my view that the international community needs to do more to attempt to break this deadlock. The violent events in recent months have clearly demonstrated the risks of the continued political vacuum. Ireland has worked consistently to maintain an international focus on the issue, and support for the two...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I, and my Department, have been monitoring the increase in violence in Gaza over the past number of months with great anxiety. These events that have led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians, and the wounding of very many more, were senseless and avoidable.I have given a high priority to the Middle East conflict since I assumed office, and discuss it regularly with my European colleagues,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Government is acutely conscious of the potential impact on Northern Ireland of the UK decision to leave the European Union. The Government is determined to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, and the gains and benefits of the Peace Process, are protected for people on the island of Ireland, North and South. In this regard, the Government appreciates the solidarity...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (20 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together. The crisis in Yemen is a source of grave concern. Three years of armed conflict has been the driving force in a devastating, protracted humanitarian crisis. I most recently discussed the situation in Yemen with my EU counterparts at yesterday’s meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. [We were all in agreement on the need to...

Brexit: Motion (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: As the Taoiseach has said, Ireland and the UK share profound and strong ties across many areas, which have benefitted greatly from both countries' membership of the EU. There could never in my view, therefore, be a positive outcome to our closest neighbour and friend leaving a European Union that we joined together in 1973. That remains the case today. While we respect the UK vote, we...

Brexit: Motion (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I spoke to Deputy McDonald.

Brexit: Motion (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: That is not what the Taoiseach said.

Brexit: Motion (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: It is the inference that is not accurate.

Brexit: Motion (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: She could do a lot worse.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Fees (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Service does not provide a reduced fee to any category of adult applicant for a passport, whether for the renewal of a passport or for a first time application. A reduced fee is applied on applications for passports for minors in recognition of the fact that a minor’s passport is valid for only five years. Most adult passports will be issued for a period of ten years. I...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Freedom of religious expression is also a cornerstone of any functioning democracy, and those rights must be guaranteed. Acts of violence and discrimination based on religion or belief, committed in the name of religion or national security, whether by...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The peace process in the Middle East is currently at a standstill, and I have made clear my view that the international community needs to do more to attempt to break this deadlock. The violent events in recent months have clearly demonstrated the risks of the continued absence of political progress. Ireland has worked consistently to maintain an international focus on the issue, and support...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (21 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together. The situation in Nicaragua remains deeply concerning. The reports of violence, arbitrary detention, and persecution of civil society leaders, peaceful protesters and those who have assisted them paint a troubling picture of repression. I once again strongly condemn any use of violence and reiterate my calls on all actors to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The situation in Nicaragua remains deeply concerning. The reports of violence, arbitrary detention, and persecution of civil society leaders, peaceful protesters and those who have assisted them paint a troubling picture of repression. I once again strongly condemn any use of violence and reiterate my calls on all actors to respect the right to peaceful protest and to freedom of expression. I...