Results 32,241-32,260 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Brexit: Statements (7 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: An EU presence there would reassure everybody and makes sense for both sides.

Brexit: Statements (7 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The only thing I would say to that is that the Deputy should not confuse diplomacy with weakness. We have got the results we have been looking for, by and large, through these Brexit negotiations. In terms of the Irish protocol, the protections of the Good Friday Agreement, the absolute assurance we have now in law to prevent Border infrastructure re-emerging on the island of Ireland,...

Brexit: Statements (7 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: There is a misunderstanding in the question. We are not facing the prospect of a hard border again. A no-deal Brexit in this round means a no-trade deal Brexit. We have a deal that prevents a hard border. It is called the withdrawal agreement and the Irish protocol that is in it. We also have a British Government that, as late as last week, confirmed that it will implement the protocol...

Brexit: Statements (7 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: I will get to the last question. Even though it has nothing to do with Brexit I will answer it because I want to be totally upfront about it. On the first issue, if this is about a race to the bottom and, as was raised earlier, if it is an attempt by the British Government to undercut EU standards to create competitive advantage while looking to get barrier-free access into the Single...

Brexit: Statements (7 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: I can answer those questions directly because the answer is "Yes". That is what the withdrawal agreement was all about. It is what the Irish protocol and the legislation we passed here, and the British Government passed in Westminster, was about too, in respect of protecting the common travel area, and ensuring we protect access for students North and South into each other's universities...

Brexit: Statements (7 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: As somebody who has spent a lot of time with fishermen and farmers and those working in both sectors in the broader food industry, I agree that these are two vulnerable sectors if we cannot get the kind of Brexit deal we are looking for. There is no question about that. That is why, when we put contingency plans in place for a no-deal Brexit, these sectors were a big focus for us, along...

Brexit: Statements (7 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The level playing field conditions obviously apply in terms of GB and Northern Ireland. In the context of the protocol where there effectively is no request for any form of border infrastructure or checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that means food production in Northern Ireland must operate to the same standards as those in the Republic of Ireland. Otherwise one is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: Immediate access to up-to-date and reliable information is critically important to the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including via the network of 90 Missions overseas. The value of high quality information has been amply demonstrated by the Brexit and COVID-19 crises. At headquarters, a dedicated Library Service is responsible for the central purchase of electronic...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Data (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department provides ICT services on a global scale in support of it's work at home and abroad. Internet access is provided to officials on Departmental devices in acccordance with an Appropriate Usage Policy. The records provided refer to the most commonly visited websites Records are available for 2019 and 2020 to date. Records for 2017 and 2018 are not available. 2019 ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Communications (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department has not been lobbied or received any representation from the Chinese Embassy in relation to the use of the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) for the performance of the group you have mentioned. Officials in my Department have been contacted by the group involved regarding their concerns over the refusal of the CCD to host their show, and have met with these individuals to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, and torture in detention. There are concerns in particular about the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, political activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, labour rights activists, artists and environmentalists. Human rights...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am deeply saddened by the recent violence and loss of life in New Delhi following demonstrations about the Citizenship Amendment Act. The demonstrators claim that the Act is discriminatory because, unlike other religious groups, Muslims would not benefit from the Act. I understand that the Indian Supreme Court is considering numerous petitions against the Act and that the UN High...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together. It is not the practice to divulge information in relation to the specific purposes of individual landings. In the majority of cases, military aircraft using the landing facilities in Ireland do so for the purposes of refuelling and to allow for crew and passenger rest. In a small number of cases, such aircraft land to allow for the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The estimated total cost to my Department, if the rate of employer PRSI is increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000, is €218,948. It should be noted that this amount is based on current salary figures and would change over time in line with any pay increases, changes in work patterns and other future work-related amendments.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Cybersecurity Policy (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: I note the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy. It is an opinion piece, containing the personal views of the author. I do not propose to comment on the various elements that are raised. The Government keeps all matters of national security under constant review and raises issues where necessary with the relevant State, including Russia.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Covid-19 Pandemic (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is working to ensure all relevant guidance and protocols from public health authorities are fully taken into account at all airports, including Shannon, and I defer to them on this question.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade may issue a civil letter of freedom (Certificat de Coutume/Nulla Osta) to an Irish citizen for the purposes of a marriage abroad. This is not an Irish requirement, but a requirement of the country where an applicant might want to get married. All applicants should check with the registry office where they are getting married in order to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Conventions (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The need for effective human rights due diligence mechanisms is one of the issues under consideration by the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group. It is looking at a variety of options, including mandatory measures, in line with similar provisions in other countries. I will await the outcome of the Implementation Group's deliberations on this issue before moving forward with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department continues to provide advice and assistance to Irish citizens abroad and in the context of COVID-19, has been helping citizens to return home where possible. The Deputy will be aware that the person referenced in his Question has since been repatriated. The Department and our network of Missions will continue to monitor developments closely in relation to COVID-19, and to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Protected Disclosures (13 May 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has received no Protected Disclosures since the legislation was introduced in 2014. My Department is committed to fostering a culture that encourages and supports staff to speak up on any issue that could impede the Department’s ability to carry out its functions to the standard expected. There are a number of mechanisms in place to...