Results 32,761-32,780 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Properties (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The construction of a new Gymnasium at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, commenced earlier this year. I have been advised that the expected completion date is March 2021 at an estimated cost of €3.16 million.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Military Honours (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The siege of Jadotville was a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961. "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion took responsibility for the UN post at Jadotville on 3rd September 1961. On the 9th September, a large force of Katangese Gendarmerie surrounded them and early on the morning of the 13th September "A" Company came under attack....

Seanad: Withdrawal Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Motion (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I would normally only intervene after a number of other speeches were made, but I have legislation in the Dáil as well at about 6.20 p.m., so for that reason I am anxious to try to contribute to both debates if I can. There will be a Minister to replace me for the end of this motion. I am grateful for the opportunity to address the Seanad and to express the Government's strong support...

Seanad: Withdrawal Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Motion (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: It is okay. Clearly, any unilateral departure from the terms of the withdrawal agreement is not acceptable as such a departure could seriously erode and damage political trust in Northern Ireland, if it has not already. It also seriously damages the trust needed to deliver a successful outcome to the future relationship negotiations. The Commission has clearly stated that violating the...

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am grateful for the opportunity to update the House on developments in recent months with respect to Brexit. As I have said previously in this House, despite the continued focus of the Government, and the country, on the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit also poses an unprecedented challenge for Ireland. The Government’s focus and strategy, with...

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: Just five seconds over time.

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: There is. I will get it circulated.

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (Resumed) (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, was meant to do the summing up but is unable to as he is waiting for a test result, having been abroad. He is complying with the protocol for officeholders and is waiting for a test result. I am sure it will be fine because I spoke to him this morning and he is in good health. I will try to respond to the debate. I thank everybody for contributing...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Working Holiday Programmes (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: Working Holiday Authorisations (WHAs) play an important role in building Ireland's bilateral relations with Canada and a number of other non-European countries and regions with which we have reciprocal agreements, encouraging people-to-people contacts. The Working Holiday Agreement with Canada, in place since 2003, reflects the excellent relationship which we have with Canada and contributes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Refugee Resettlement Programme (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 131 together. I am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based at the camp. It is a relief that there are no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people, including children, has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department follows developments in Spain closely and I am aware of the United Nations Working Group 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. As I have previously stated,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: On 9 September the Government published its Brexit Readiness Action Plan which supports and promotes the necessary preparations for the end of the Brexit transition period. With less than 100 days to go until the end of the Brexit transition period, it is vital that businesses step up their preparations for the range of changes that will definitively take place on 1 January, 2020. From that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am advised by the Passport Service that a search was completed for a passport application using the details supplied by the Deputy but no application was found as the Passport Number is not valid. The Passport Service will be happy to provide information and guidance to the person in question. The Passport Service operates a Customer Service Hub which provides information via telephone...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Properties (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The former barracks in Nenagh is no longer required for military purposes. In accordance with Government policy and my Department's practice to dispose of such surplus properties, matters relating to the disposal of Nenagh Barracks are currently being progressed. My officials are in the process of regularising outstanding legal matters relating to the property with the assistance of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Travel Insurance (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I can advise the Deputy that my Department publishes Travel Advice for over 200 countries to provide an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas, with a view to helping them to make informed decisions for themselves. The advice is based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and our...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Citizenship and Identity provisions are central to the Good Friday Agreement and it is vital that they are upheld. The Government has consistently engaged with the British Government in support of this, and we will continue to do so. The Government provided consistent political support for the De Souzas and engaged at the highest levels with the British Government on their situation,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 413 together. I am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based at the camp. It is a relief that there were no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people, including children, has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based at the camp. It is a relief that there were no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people, including children, has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian emergency as well as posing a huge logistical challenge...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together. I remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iran, including restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, torture in detention and the use of the death penalty. Ireland opposes the use of the death penalty whenever it occurs. I fully support the statement issued by the EEAS on behalf of the EU on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The project to construct a new Ireland House in Tokyo is an important component of the Global Ireland initiative to  double Ireland’s global footprint and impact by 2025. The new building, housing both the Embassy and State Agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Bord Bia, will provide an excellent platform to strengthen bilateral relations with this key partner in Asia and...