Results 32,381-32,400 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I take every opportunity to engage with our EU partners to advance Ireland’s priorities in matters arising from the UK's withdrawal from the EU, including the EU-UK Future Partnership negotiations, and implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, with the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. My engagement with key interlocutors on Brexit has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the cases that the Deputy raises. Given the importance Ireland attaches to respect for the separation of powers, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific cases ruled upon by the courts of another EU Member State. The constitutional and political arrangements in Spain are matters to be determined by its own citizens, through its democratic processes and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 28 and 37 together. Once the potential impact of Covid-19 became obvious, contingency planning commenced to minimise the impact of restrictions on the delivery of passport services. In particular, plans were put in place to ensure that we continued to provide an emergency service for the issuance of passports in cases of serious illness or death...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The passport for the applicant in question was dispatched from the Passport Service on the 10 June. An officer from the Passport Service contacted the applicant on the 11 June and the applicant confirmed they had received their new passport.  

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Government is closely monitoring the situation in Hong Kong in light of the recent announcement by the Chinese National People's Congress to implement a national security law in Hong Kong.  Ireland, along with our EU partners, is a strong supporter of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, through which the Basic Law grants Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, along with an...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I can advise that consular officials in my Department are in contact with the family regarding their urgent need to travel to the US. The Deputy will understand that my Department cannot intervene in the immigration decisions of another jurisdiction. However, officials have advised the family as to how they might resolve their situation in cooperation with the relevant US authorities....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visa Applications (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The processing of visa applications, once received, is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality. The COVID–19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice and Equality conducts its business at this time. Since 20 March, the Department of Justice and Equality has temporarily ceased accepting new visa...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: Regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK negotiations, the end of the transition period will see the UK no longer apply the rule of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This will have immediate implications for trade flows. Since 2018, the Government has been investing in the infrastructure and systems required for additional customs, official controls and SPS checks on EU-UK...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 39 together. Full implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is a key priority for the EU, as well as for Ireland. The Government remains in close contact with the European Commission and our EU partners on this matter. Over recent weeks, I have had contacts with EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, as well as with UK...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes in relation to freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, and torture in detention. Human rights issues therefore continue to constitute an important part of Ireland's engagement and dialogue with Iran. I am aware of the two cases raised, and note with concern that there are reports that the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides all possible consular advice and assistance to citizens overseas, where requested and where appropriate. As part of the comprehensive approach to assisting our citizens overseas in the context of COVID-19, a particular focus of our work has been on helping those who are normally resident in Ireland to return home safely. Since the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: On 31 January 2020, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland signed legislation establishing a Victims’ Payment scheme for victims of Troubles-related incidents. The Government is aware that certain issues have been raised around the funding and scope of this scheme, which are primarily a matter for the UK Government and NI Executive to agree. The Government believes that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department delivers Ireland’s foreign policy objectives through our Mission network consisting of Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Representations worldwide.  As part of the Government's strategy, "Global Ireland - Ireland's Global Footprint to 2025", over the last two years my Department has opened new Embassies in Chile, Colombia, Jordan, New Zealand, Liberia, and new...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: There were no such costs incurred by my Department in either 2018 or 2109. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has procured an external monitoring service for press and broadcast media. While this contract allows for social media monitoring if required, this element is not currently utilised. The Department monitors its own and external social media activity through free...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Training (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, will provide a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. The Deputy will appreciate that for commercially sensitive reasons I am not in a position to disclose estimated costs at this point in time. As...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Personnel (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was published on the 4th of July 2019. The Report was accepted in full by the Government at that time and, to facilitate implementation, an extensive High Level Plan titled ""Strengthening our Defence Forces – Phase One” was also agreed and published on the same date....

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my  Department, in line with other civil and public service organisations, has adhered to public health advice and to the Guidance for Public Service Employers published by the  Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  This has meant employees working from home where it is possible for them to do so, unless they need to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 16 together. I can confirm to the Deputy that we are providing consular assistance to this citizen, through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, and through our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai. Our focus has been on supporting the citizen’s consular needs, particularly his health and welfare, while he and his legal...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Correspondence (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 14 and 15 together. Venezuela is currently experiencing the worst political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis in its history. I am particularly concerned regarding the humanitarian needs of the population, which are acute. Due to the severe lack of access to basic goods, services, medicines and medical equipment, the impact of the COVID-19...