Results 39,201-39,220 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (24 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I, as Minister for Defence, welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (24 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely: Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: When Ireland sought a seat at the UN Security Council, we did so with the intention of using our position to amplify the voices of small countries and with a commitment to upholding the rules-based international order. During our time on the Council, we have upheld these commitments and used our membership to hold Russia accountable and to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I have strongly condemned the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh and have repeatedly called for a thorough independent investigation. I am aware of the recent decision taken by the United States authorities and the reaction to this by the Israeli Government. I also note the statements which have been made by the Palestinian Authority and by Ms Abu Akleh’s family welcoming this decision. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Earlier this month, the Passport Service issued its 1 millionth passport of 2022. This represents the first time in the history of the State that over one million passports have been issued in a calendar year. This  surpasses its previous busiest ever year, 2019, when 935,000 passports were issued.  The Passport Service issued 634,107 passports in 2021.  Thanks to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 99, 101, 110, 116 and 139 together. The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent implementation agreements is an issue of the utmost priority for this Government. It is of paramount importance that the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are allowed to function. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Sports Events (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Qatari government has maintained that ‘all fans will be welcome’ at the World Cup, and I urge for this promise to be upheld. I was very disappointed by the recent comments of a Qatari World Cup ambassador, which referred to homosexuality as ‘damage in the mind’. These comments are not reflective of the inclusive and global event that a World Cup should be...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Foreign Affairs Council most recently met in Brussels on 14 November. This was the tenth formal meeting of the Council since the beginning of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine and we again discussed coordination of the EU’s collective response. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, updated the Council on Ukraine’s current priorities and needs. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Meetings (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Ireland Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-25, which I launched last year with the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, commits to exchange learning on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, including on legislating for sustainable development from Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015. The position of Future Generations Commissioner was...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to closely engage with the company and communities in Colombia referred to in the Deputy’s question. We will continue to engage with all parties to gain a deeper understanding of this highly complex situation and to support inclusive dialogue to resolve the issues at play. As previously outlined, officials from the Embassy of Ireland to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Since the further invasion of Ukraine in February, Ireland has been steadfast in its support for the Government and people of Ukraine, and is committed to continuing to provide vital protection and support. The latest figures show that some 64,000 Ukrainians have registered in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to date. Ireland has been providing support to Ukraine both...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 102 and 118 together. Earlier this month, the Passport Service issued its 1 millionth passport of 2022. This represents the first time in the history of the State that over one million passports have been issued in a calendar year. The Passport Service has surpassed its previous busiest ever year, 2019, when 935,000 passports were issued. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The EU has imposed the most significant sanctions in its history in response to the situation in Ukraine. While the majority of these sanctions have been imposed on the Russian Federation, action has also been taken in respect of third countries who have provided support for the illegal actions taken, namely Belarus and Iran. With regard to Iran, on 20 October, the EU adopted additional...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to question 48265/22 on 6th October. The Government position remains unchanged. I have been clear in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Programme for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Demand for passports from Northern Ireland remains steady, equating to about 10% of total applications received by the Passport Service. 87% of applicants from Northern Ireland this year have applied through Passport Online and that figure will continue to grow as the Passport Service's Digital First media and communications strategy is rolled out in the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Child Protection (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland participated in the UN Security Council Open Debate on 19th July 2022 following the release of the annual report by the UN Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict.  The Secretary General's report examines both trends and specific country situations, listing all armed groups that recruit and use children.  In our statement, Ireland expressed dismay at the high...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I have noted the result of the recent elections to the Knesset in Israel. The process of government formation is ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment on this process. Ireland will urge the new Israeli government to prioritise making meaningful progress towards a two-State solution in line with the relevant UN resolutions, international law and the agreed parameters.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The uncertainties and challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlight the clear need for continuing strong engagement by the EU in the Western Balkans and support to our partners in the region. The Western Balkans was on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 November which I attended and where discussion primarily focussed on increased tensions in Northern...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Since taking up our seat on the UN Security Council in January 2021, we have been actively engaged right across the Council’s wide agenda. We have brought our principled and independent perspective to a range of key issues, in line with the core principles of Building Peace, Strengthening Conflict Prevention and Ensuring Accountability. We will continue to be active and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I welcomed the adoption by the UN Fourth Committee of the Resolution on “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem”. This Resolution addresses a number of key concerns that are consistent with Ireland’s longstanding position, including calling for urgent measures to ensure the...