Results 39,081-39,100 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and I am deeply concerned by the recent reports that the Iranian Government has sentenced a number of people to death for their involvement in the ongoing protests. Ireland has consistently raised our concerns around the high number of executions in Iran, including though the Universal Periodic Review process at the Human...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I have had much more interaction with my Iranian counterpart than most Irish foreign ministers would have. This is because of our role on the Security Council. We are what is called a facilitator of Resolution 2231. Effectively, this means we put reports together for the Security Council on the progress, or lack thereof, on what is called the Iranian nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has been very involved in this debate. We have had access beyond what we normally have because of involvement in a completely different issue. Of course, issues are all interlinked when it comes to bilateral relationships and relationships with countries in the UN and elsewhere. We have supported targeted sanctions against those responsible for the inappropriate treatment of...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: United Nations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am familiar with it because we supported it. We were one of the few EU countries to do so. I believe we were one of only five. Others either abstained or voted against it. I wish to convey my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed or injured in the tragic fire in the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza a few days ago. Turning to the Deputy’s question, I...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: United Nations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Yes.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: United Nations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: As the Deputy knows, I have been and continue to be vocal on that issue. I remain seriously concerned by Israel's designation of six Palestinian NGOs, including Irish Aid and EU partner organisations, as terrorist entities. This designation has the potential to affect not only these six organisations, but civil society more broadly across the occupied Palestinian territory. It could...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: United Nations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: It is unfortunate the Deputy used a term such as "weasel words" on such an issue.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: United Nations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy and appreciate that. Ireland is one of the most credible voices on the planet in regard to the Palestinian-Israeli issue. We continue to be at the centre of debate within the EU, trying to make progress where that is not easy. Getting any form of consensus across the EU on new thinking and action in respect of the Middle East peace process has proven very difficult....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: World Cup (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 144 together. My Department is liaising closely with EU and international partners to provide the most accurate advice possible for citizens travelling to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.  Comprehensive World Cup travel advice for Qatar is available on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and citizens are urged to consult this...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: World Cup (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: There are a number of human rights issues of concern with regard to Qatar including its treatment of migrant workers, as people have said, women's rights, LGBT+ people and, of course, the use of the death penalty. Promoting respect for human rights is one of the core principles of Irish foreign policy. In countries where we have concerns over human rights, including Qatar, we raise these...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: World Cup (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Our consular team is ready and waiting to support people if they need it. The team is second to none internationally. We do not have an embassy in Qatar but we have an embassy very close by and a team on the ground in Qatar to help Irish citizens should that be required. With regard to the links between sport and politics on this issue, in some ways, it is unfair to criticise players....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: It is not. It is nothing to do with me. The Acting Chair might be able to give us some guidance.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: There are four questions grouped.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 87, 104 and 105 together. While the protests in Iran started with the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in September, many more young women and men have died since, simply due to the fact they were exercising their fundamental right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. I wish to extend my condolences to the loved ones of all those who have died...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I was concerned at what we were all seeing on our phones and television screens about what was unfolding in Iran, so I requested the Iranian ambassador to come in to explain what was going on in his country and to express my concern and condemnation for what I thought and still think is a violent response by police to predominantly peaceful protests. He said some of the protests were not...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Yes.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: On Palestine, which we often talk about here, we are pretty consistent. Ireland is one of the most consistent countries in the world when it comes to what we say about Palestine. I have certainly tried to be during the five years I have been in this job. I point to my very clear criticism of settlement expansion, of demolitions, of forced evictions, my criticism of the human rights...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Climate Change Negotiations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I might take 30 seconds and the Minister of State may wish to come in again. I put on the record of the House the achievement of Ireland and especially of the Minister, Deputy Ryan, at COP27. He was instrumental and central in finding a compromise wording that came from the EU that ultimately was the basis of brokering a deal. There is often criticism of the size of delegations and so on....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 109 together. I met with the Secretary of State most recently on 2 November and the progress of the UK's Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill was one of the topics discussed.  In all of our discussions, I have been frank in my view that this Bill, as it stands, is not fit for purpose. It represents a clear move away from...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I agree. I have been holding the line on this issue because I believe that not to do so would be to dishonour the commitments we have made to victims on all sides. I have repeatedly said to victims' families that we cannot support legislation that shuts off the opportunity to take a case should there be an evidence base that allows for that to happen in the future. The idea that we would...