Results 34,121-34,140 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: The New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) agreement was a significant shared achievement by the parties in Northern Ireland together with the two Governments, and its full implementation is a key priority for the Irish Government. The important work of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has resumed, to develop cooperation on an all-island basis. Two successful NSMC plenary meetings...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of serious concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: In line with Government guidance that at Level 5 of the National Framework on Living with COVID-19 only essential work should take place, the Passport Service continues to provide a high-quality essential service in line with Government measures to reduce social contact and combat the spread of COVID-19. This essential service is available for those who are required to travel due to the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is an international agreement concluded by the UK and the EU. It is the agreed and only solution to address the challenges caused by Brexit on the island of Ireland. Our shared goal must be its full implementation. We welcome that the Specialised Committee met on Friday, 26 March. This was an important signal that the only sustainable and legal way...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Investigations (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: All members of the Defence Forces, Permanent and Reserve, have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. These unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces. I urge anyone who has any complaint which they think constitutes a criminal offence to report...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: The issue of awarding of Military Medals for Gallantry (MMG) and Distinguished Service Medals (DSMs) to personnel who served in Jadotville in September 1961 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years and a number of actions have taken place to give due recognition to the courage and bravery of all the members of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion who were...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: The table below provides a breakdown of the number of civil servants employed in my Department in the grades of Assistant Secretary, Director, Principal, Assistant Principal Officer, Administrative Officer and Higher Executive Officer, detailed by gender. Grade Male Female Total Assistant Secretary 3 0 ...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Properties (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently signed the contract with Mayo County Council for the transfer of these premises and, subject to the usual legal procedures, it is intended that this contract will be closed in the coming weeks.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Data (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: Neither the Department of Defence nor the Defence Forces share databases with the Department of Health. The Department of Defence would, on occasion, share information with the Department of Health in relation to the administration of individual retirement pensions for reasons such as the transfer of service to that Department or the application of abatement of pension. Such sharing of...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: General Data Protection Regulation (1 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: Neither my Department nor the Defence Forces have received any complaints from members of the public in relation to subject access requests since 2018 to date. The Defence Forces received one complaint in 2020 regarding a data subject rights request. The table below sets out the number of subject access requests accepted by my Department and the Defence Forces for the aforementioned...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 833 together. The Programme for Government states that the Government will “continue to work with other Member States to give leadership within the EU to oppose any annexation or plans to apply Israeli sovereignty over territory in the West Bank, which is part of the occupied Palestinian territory. The Government would regard any such moves...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 834, 881, 882 and 898 together. Ireland's position on settlement expansion is absolutely clear. Settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory is clearly illegal under international law. I am in regular contact with EU partners on the situation in the Middle East. EU Foreign Ministers met last year with the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Agreement reached between Turkey and the EU in March 2016 represented a landmark effort to respond to the migration crisis and the loss of many hundreds of lives in the Aegean Sea. The goal was to restore a legal and orderly admission system, put an end to irregular migration from Turkey to the EU, prevent the loss of life, take action against migrant smuggling networks, and improve...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 836, 870, 874, 878, 884, 885, 888 and 891 together. In line with the National Framework on Living with COVID-19 the Passport Service continues to provide a high-quality essential service in line with Government measures to reduce social contact and combat the spread of COVID-19. This essential service is available for those who are required to travel...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, in conjunction with EU colleagues, routinely monitors arrests and detentions of human rights defenders, including in this case. Human rights issues, in particular those regarding arrests, detention and the treatment of prisoners, form part of Ireland's regular engagement with Egypt. At the Human Rights...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ireland’s approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict is based on respect for international law and the agreed international parameters, including relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. Ireland is a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and is a firm supporter of the role and work of the ICC. Ensuring accountability is one of the key principles...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Human Rights Council (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 839, 847, 855, 872, 873 and 876 together. The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of serious concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human rights as enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution, Ireland is concerned by ongoing instances of violations of fundamental...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ireland’s position on the US embargo on Cuba is longstanding and clear. Fundamentally, Ireland believes that the embargo serves no constructive purpose and that its lifting would facilitate an opening of Cuba’s economy to the benefit of its people. Ireland, along with our EU partners, has been a consistent supporter of the annual Resolution put forward by Cuba at the UN General...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 841 and 856 together. My Department is following events closely after recent attacks on LGBTQI+ campaigners in Tashkent that led to the hospitalisation of a prominent blogger known for his stance on LGBTQI+ issues and criticisms of the Government. These attacks and the public backlash against the victims are deeply troubling and have reportedly forced many...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (21 Apr 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 and 849 together. I strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military, and I am deeply shocked and saddened by the abhorrent and indefensible killing of unarmed civilians, including women and children. As the political crisis has grown, so too has the human cost. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Tens of thousands of...