Results 35,681-35,700 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: It is about giving a signal to people of the need to move to alternatives to fossil fuels and I think that is sound policy. Of course we have to look at ways by which we can support people through the transition particularly at a time when the price of carbon-based fuels, gas in particular, is increasing the way it is at the moment. We will factor in that, in terms of the supports that will...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: It is my understanding that the National Transport Authority plans to introduce further 24-hour services from the end of November between Dublin city centre and the Chapelizod, Palmerston, Lucan, Adamstown Leixlip, Celbridge and Maynooth areas to the west, as well as the Sandymount and Ringsend areas to the south east. These 24-hour services are part of phase 2 of the revised bus network...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I listened to that interview this morning and I suspect the Deputy also heard it. It made for very compelling listening on the impact and the power that Facebook and other platforms similar to Facebook have on young people's lives with regard to their sense of self-worth and their sense of the need to respond to peer pressure and social pressure, which often leads to eating disorders, mental...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I do not want to overpromise to bridge that particular gap but a lot of people have asked whether, if their project is not in the national development plan, that means it will not be built or will not happen. The answer to this question is a very strong "No, that is not necessarily the case". There is a significant increase in capital expenditure within this programme. Obviously, when...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I will address the questions in reverse order. I am aware of the intention to introduce a DEIS-type scheme to ensure that people who are living in areas that are disadvantaged or who perhaps may have very low incomes can ensure that their children can access early learning and childcare services. I am aware that the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, is working on this. On Deputy Boyd Barrett's...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: The French finance minister can say whatever he wants but our Government has not had a recommendation yet as the basis for a decision. With regard to Deputy Collins' question, I have met many of the families who were deeply impacted by the Whiddy Island disaster, which was an horrific tragedy. Perhaps I will speak with the Deputy offline on what the Deputy is looking for rather than give him...
- Seanad: Situation in Belarus: Statements (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I thank that Seanad for inviting me here this evening and for giving me this opportunity to discuss the ongoing disturbing developments in Belarus. I will come back to this point but I will begin by praising the work done by Irish parliamentarians on this issue to date. It has been truly exemplary. In particular, I thank Senator Barry Ward for championing a motion on the political regime...
- Seanad: Situation in Belarus: Statements (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I thank the Senators for the opportunity to speak in this debate. I believe that any Belarusians listening to this debate will take some courage from it. I hope they will because it is a country that needs solidarity and support not only from its close neighbours, but from other countries across Europe and the world. The truth is that sanctions very rarely work overnight. Sometimes they...
- Seanad: Situation in Belarus: Statements (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I suspect this will be a continuing problem for some time. The least we can do is to remain consistent and resolute in the context of the struggle the Belarusian people themselves are leading primarily on the ground. I thank the House for this opportunity and I hope we can come back and address this issue again in a few months' time.
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: The current Passport processing turnaround times for all passports are: - 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, - 15 working days for Complex renewals, - 40 working days for First Time applications on Passport Online and - 8 weeks for Passport Express. Over 450,000 passports and passport cards have been issued to date in 2021. Almost 45% of passports for simple adult renewals continue to...
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 340, 355 and 357 together. With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has already issued passports to the applicants. The current passport application turnaround times are 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, 15 working days for Complex renewals, 40 working days for First Time Applications on...
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Revenue Commissioners (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have any State agencies under its remit.
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: As I stated in my response to the Parliamentary Question no. 250, referred to by the Deputy, I remain gravely concerned by the ongoing human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and particularly the impact on children and their education. Ireland has repeatedly emphasised that the rights of children to education without fear of violence or attack must be upheld at all times....
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to illegal settlements and their expansion. The Government's support for a Dáil motion earlier this year, declaring that Israel’s settlement policy in occupied Palestinian territory amounts to unlawful de facto annexation, reflected our grave concern about the scale and character of settlements and their negative impact. I...
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: We respect the strong connection between the Jewish people and the State of Israel. By their very nature, all States have certain inherent characteristics. However, regardless of how a state may name and define itself - be it socialist, democratic, united, Islamic, Arab or Jewish - full respect for the equal rights of all citizens – irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or other...
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: As the Deputy will be aware, my Department, through the Embassy in New Delhi, Consulate General in Mumbai and Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, has been providing assistance to the citizen’s family since first being informed of this tragic death. It is a general principle not to detail the specifics of ongoing consular work. However, I remain firmly committed to this case and I...
- Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 363, 365 and 366 together. As at 31st August 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,550 personnel. The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel and significant work continues in order to restore the PDF to its full capacity. Personnel leave the...
- Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: Public Service pay policy is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements. Similar to other sectors in the public service, Pay has been restored to members of the Defence Forces in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. The Defence Forces have...
- Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: It is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve. As of 31 August 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 8,550 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel. Of this some 603 personnel or 7% were female,...
- Written Answers — Department of Defence: Revenue Commissioners (5 Oct 2021)
Simon Coveney: My Department has made the following settlements with the Revenue Commissioners in the last 5 years: Year Amounts 2016 €465,745 2017 €167,069 2018 €36,038 2019 €13,151,342 2020 €74,797 The settlements in question were...