Results 32,181-32,200 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland condemns the reprehensible violence and terror inflicted by Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab.  In its engagement across the relevant regions, Ireland places a strong emphasis on tackling poverty, hunger and exclusion that contribute to fostering violence, radicalisation and terrorism.  At a bilateral level the Government continues to work to promote and sustain peace in West...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am deeply troubled by the ongoing violence in Libya, particularly the fighting around Tripoli, which is endangering thousands of civilians and putting already vulnerable migrants and refugees in Libya at further risk. There have been reports of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The EU has called on all parties to immediately implement a ceasefire and to engage with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Relations (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: As part of Team Ireland, Ireland’s network of Missions continues to play a central role in advancing Ireland’s trading relationships.  Embassies and Consulates around the world provide vital support for Ireland’s state agencies, including by supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets.  In June 2018, the Government launched the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Meetings (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Brexit was discussed at the European Council, which met in Article 50 formation on 13 December, but it was not an item for discussion at the General Affairs Council. In its conclusions on Brexit, the European Council reiterated its commitment to an orderly UK withdrawal on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement and called for its timely ratification and effective implementation. At its...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has put in place strong legislative, administrative and operational measures, including a multi-agency approach, to combat and prevent human trafficking.  Ireland is party to the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings which aims to prevent trafficking, protect the human rights of victims and prosecute traffickers.  We are also...

European Council Meeting: Statements (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: I understand that copies of my speech are on the way so that Deputies who want it will get copies. Following the Taoiseach's update on the most recent European Council meeting, I will focus on the following issues: the Syrian crisis; migration; the multi-annual financial framework, MFF; Brexit; and the new European Commission's work programme. That is a lot to deal with in ten minutes,...

Coronavirus: Statements (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am sharing the short time available with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh. I assure the House that the Covid-19 outbreak is receiving careful attention across the Government. As we learn more about the virus, we will continue to take actions that are proportionate and based always on medical advice. For some time, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Working Holiday Visas (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Working Holiday Agreement between Ireland and the United States allows Irish and US citizens to work and travel in each others' country for up to 12 months. Citizens of the United States may avail of the programme on more than one occasion as long as they meet all of the requirements each time. However, applicants may not apply for a second or subsequent WHA programme for at least one...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Awards to Irish Citizens (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: The reference in Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign State in question, to use prefixes to their names such as “Sir”,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: I have already commented publicly  on the US Middle East plan. My statement following the release of the plan on 28 January was as follows:  "The US initiative on the Middle East Peace Process has just been announced. I have engaged very actively with the US Middle East team over the past three years. I have made clear that Ireland would be willing to support any peace...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: 17 May last marked the 45th anniversary of the appalling attacks of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in which 33 people were murdered. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan TD, represented the Government at the remembrance ceremony in Dublin. The Government stands in solidarity with all those who lost loved ones or were injured on that day, and who suffer still as a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department follows developments in Spain closely and I am aware of the legal cases to which the question refers. I maintain contacts with my Spanish counterparts on a range of issues, including the situation in Catalonia. The question of Catalan independence remains a deeply divisive and contentious issue in Catalonia and in the rest of Spain. I understand a process of dialogue recently...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: ‘Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 sets out the Government’s ambitions for expanding and deepening our international presence, influence and impact. It includes the expansion of Ireland’s Mission network which will deepen our impact across priority regions, provide opportunities to grow our trade and inward investment, strengthen political...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Meetings (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: Since the last EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, I have attended multilateral meetings at which Finland’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, was also present. However, I have not had the opportunity to have formal contact with him. I look forward to meeting him in the future, including at the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on 6 March.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: In 2020, Ireland will open three new Embassies in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat. These openings reflect the expansion of Ireland's Diplomatic Network as part of 'Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025'. These openings will contribute to the expansion and deepening of Ireland's international presence across priority regions, provide opportunities to grow our trade and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 46, 49, 52 and 53 together. Brexit was not on the agenda for discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 February. The General Affairs Council on 25 February, adopted a Council Decision authorising the opening of the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK, together with a detailed set of negotiating directives. I also met...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Preparations (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and discussions on a future EU-UK relationship got underway on 2 March.  It is important to recall that a range of key issues are resolved by the Withdrawal Agreement (i.e. citizen’s rights, financial settlement and the Northern Ireland Protocol), as well as by the Common Travel Area.  The transition...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur. We are committed to promoting freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. This commitment to promoting freedom of religion or belief is reaffirmed in  Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 61 together. The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for this Government. The principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island North and South. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Disease Management (5 Mar 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department has been providing ongoing consular advice and assistance to our citizens overseas who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Our consular efforts were initially focused on Irish citizens in Hubei Province in China but, with the continuing spread of the virus, these have evolved to include a wide range of countries around the world.  We are working closely with...