Results 30,841-30,860 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Are we still discussing Palestine?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I agree with the Deputy that the approach has not worked but we have to make a judgment as to what is likely to produce positive results. Trying to introduce a Bill that we know to be illegal and unenforceable might make some-----

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: It is the opinion of the Attorney General.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The day we set aside the Attorney General's opinion in this House will be a sad day for democracy. Any party that has been in government would know that. Having said that, I understand the frustration which gave rise to the Bill. I have said that on many occasions in this House and in the Seanad. We cannot propose to introduce legislation or policies that are unenforceable or illegal in...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Applications Data (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy for allowing me to put on the record the success of the new online passport renewal service launched in March 2017. Since its launch, more than 440,000 online applications have been received. For applications received so far this year, over 70% of eligible applicants have utilised the online renewal service rather than a paper application, which is very welcome from our...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Applications Data (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: A total of 446,383 online applications were received between 30 March 2017, when the service was launched, and 31 March 2019. The total number of applications of all types received in the same period was slightly more than 1.7 million. A total of almost 148,000 online applications have been received since the expansion of the online service on 28 November. The total number of applicants...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Applications Data (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: In some ways, under the current system the term "passport express" is almost a misnomer because the online application process, which has a ten-day turnaround time, although people often receive their passport after three or four days, is far quicker. We set a target of ten days plus postage but it is often far quicker than that. The postage process takes 15 days, or 50% longer, although it...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right, which is replicated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, includes the freedom to change one’s religion or belief and the freedom, either alone or in community with others, to manifest one’s religion or belief...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I recognise that the response I gave earlier was quite technical in referring to conventions, etc., but it was important to put that information on the record. We are seeing an increase in intolerance and persecution of minorities across the world. In some cases, the states involved feel that they almost have a licence to act as they do in the aftermath of the actions of other countries....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: We have a closer relationship with China now than we have ever had previously. This involves more trade delegations, more interaction and more meetings that involve local government as well as national Government. I have taken the approach of being respectful but, at the same time, being upfront about human rights concerns and the approach to governance in China from a human rights...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I hope countries such as Ireland, New Zealand and others can lead by example in order that we are more credible when we make criticisms.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 57, 66 and 91 together. I am deeply concerned about the ongoing fighting around the Libyan capital, Tripoli. The military attack launched by the so-called Libyan National Army, LNA, which led to this escalation, is putting civilians at risk and disrupting efforts to find a peaceful resolution to an ongoing conflict. As of Friday, 12 April, this...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The outcome we all want is an end to armed conflict and a politically negotiated solution. There was much hope for the future of Libya when President Gaddafi was removed. What we now have, unfortunately, is a broken state with armed factional leaders. The Irish position in trying to move this process is to support the approach of the UN special representative rather than the approach of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Withdrawal Agreement, as approved by the European Council and agreed with the British Government in November, provides for a period of transition, up to December 2020, during which EU rules and regulations will continue to apply to the UK, including regulatory alignment on agriculture matters.  Under the measures included in the backstop, should it need to be invoked, a UK-wide...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Preparations (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Government’s preparedness and contingency planning for Brexit has from the start included issues relating to the continued effective use of the UK landbridge. This is a priority for the Government given its importance for Irish exporters and importers as a means of access to the rest of the single market, in particular with regard to agri-food products. This is an important issue...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 73 and 87 together. I am deeply concerned by the grave humanitarian situation in Venezuela, where conditions have deteriorated further due to the devastating impact of recent blackouts. Ireland, along with our EU partners, has repeatedly called on President Maduro to acknowledge the full scale of the humanitarian crisis. Reports of ongoing...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visa Agreements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I and my Government colleagues regret that it did not prove possible to secure passage of the Irish E3 Visa Bill in December, during the last term of the outgoing US Congress. That Bill, if passed, would have provided for an important new legal pathway for Irish citizens to live, work and make a valuable contribution in the US. While this was disappointing news for all who care about the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am deeply concerned about the situation in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, in particular the treatment of Uighur Muslims and the detention of a significant number of people in re-education camps.  We take the reports regarding this situation very seriously and have raised our concerns with our Chinese counterparts, in bilateral meetings, through our EU...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: State Visits (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Inward visits to Ireland by foreign Heads of State or Government provide an important opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests and values internationally and contribute to the development of strong economic, political and cultural links between Ireland and other States. Depending on the nature and timing of such visits, they can include elements such as an official welcome...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach and I have prioritised the issue of Irish immigration in the US since taking office. We will continue our efforts in this regard until we secure progress – both in terms of future legal immigration opportunities for Irish citizens; and in securing a pathway for those Irish who are undocumented in order to regularise their status.  Special...