Results 3,961-3,980 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I thank the Deputy for his question and acknowledge his continued interest in this important matter. The Stormont House Agreement is a significant achievement that has the potential to restore effective partnership government in Northern Ireland. It also has the potential to advance genuine reconciliation between divided communities and progress economic prosperity for all. For its...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge the important role of all the parties in Northern Ireland towards reaching an effective agreement on the eve of Christmas Eve. The Deputy mentioned the SDLP and I acknowledge its role in the negotiations under the leadership of its chief negotiator, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell. Deputy Smith is right in that there are important issues that must be advanced, both in the context of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The implementation of all aspects of the agreement is the focus for early this year and beyond. As part of the efforts to ensure effective implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, I will attend a review meeting with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties in Belfast next week, at which our implementation timeline will be agreed. It will involve a level of legislation,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Throughout the recent talks, the Government maintained the view that the best way to strengthen peace and reconciliation across this island is to implement fully the commitments undertaken in the two foundational agreements of the peace process, the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement. These agreements, together with the Stormont House Agreement, will remain at the core of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I understand what the Deputy is saying but, as usual, he continues to see the glass half empty rather than half full. A large measure of progress was made in the context of this agreement. In fact, people were of the view early on in the talks that a successful conclusion would not be reached. I accept what the Deputy said that a number of issues remain outstanding and on which, to my...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy raised the Pat Finucane issue specifically but my understanding is that the other issues to which he referred would include the Irish Language Act, for example. A specific commitment in regard to the Act was not included in the recently forged agreement, nevertheless recognition was contained in the agreement of the role of the Irish language in Northern Ireland. We will continue...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware that the Deputy has concerns about this matter. I will refer to previous questions on the record of the House in this regard. The current system of accommodating republican and loyalist prisoners in Northern Ireland separately from each other and from the rest of the prison population was established in Maghaberry Prison in 2003. Decisions on who can be admitted to the separated...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy will be aware that it is generally accepted, including by the Northern Ireland authorities, that conditions in Maghaberry Prison are not ideal. That is why I believe it is important that every opportunity be given to allow for the recommendations of the recent stocktake report to take place. There is an element of independence, as the Deputy mentioned. The Northern Ireland...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I remind the Deputy that while conditions in Maghaberry Prison are not ideal, there are people in that prison who have been convicted of the most serious and grave offences. The continued threats against prison officers and prison personnel are a cause of very serious concern and must be condemned at every opportunity. I believe Maghaberry Prison must be seen in the context of overall...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: National Security (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: A number of terrorist groups that are linked to a brand of religious fundamentalism claim their actions are in pursuit of their religious beliefs. Religious leaders have condemned such actions as not in accordance with religious beliefs. We must continue to make this distinction. The threat is posed not by religious beliefs, but by terrorist and criminal groups. The Minister for Justice...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: National Security (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Minister for Justice and Equality has given the Cabinet a comprehensive report on the possible threat posed to Ireland by international terrorism and the measures to prevent attacks. There is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism. The Deputy made the point that Ireland might be being used in some way as a hub or transit area, or indeed...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: National Security (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Both my Department and I are in regular contact with ambassadors of the many states in the Middle East and beyond that have offices and residences in this jurisdiction. On Monday of this week I was very pleased to have the opportunity to engage with the secretary general of the Arab League, Mr. al-Arabi, when the issue was raised with him in the context of the current difficulties. I...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Policy (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: In its foreign policy review published last week, the Government comprehensively set out its approach to international affairs and its continued support for a fairer and more just, secure and sustainable world through our development programme, human rights policies, peacekeeping, disarmament and security policies. In a globalised world, we work with other countries who share common values...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Policy (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland continues to play a leading role in shaping the policies of the EU in areas of priority concern from an Irish perspective. For example, the articulation of the approach of the EU to conflict prevention and resolution and the EU guidelines on promoting and protecting the rights of human rights defenders who face persecution for defending the rights of others. We play a leading role...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Visa Agreements (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and I acknowledge his role in that regard. The intention to establish an E3 visa agreement between Ireland and the US remains a key element of Ireland's overall position on US immigration reform and one which we continue to emphasise in our contacts with US spokespersons and at ministerial level through the immigration reform activities of our embassy...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Visa Agreements (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy is correct in his approach. I wish to assure Deputy Naughten and the House again that through its embassies and consulates across the United States, as well as through direct political contact with the Administration and Congress, the Government will continue to advocate and encourage further steps that will reflect the concerns and needs of the Irish people. I also refer again...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Visa Agreements (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I assure both the Deputy and the House that the resources for Ireland's emigrant groups will continue to be made available. On foot of a visit I made to a number of centres last autumn, I am satisfied that all these funds are being expended well. While I am conscious of the time, I note briefly that I was pleased to see reference in the President's state of the Union address to the matter...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Missing Persons (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Embassy of Ireland in Madrid and the consular assistance section of my Department provided consular assistance at the time of this individual’s disappearance, and have continued to maintain contact with family members and to provide assistance in the years that have followed. Our embassy in Madrid remains in ongoing contact with the local police authorities regarding the case....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Missing Persons (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I can assure Deputy Flanagan that I have requested the Head of Council to keep me fully informed and briefed on any discussions or developments in this case. I also can assure him that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided extensive and continuous assistance to the family since Amy's disappearance in 2008. The Department has also liaised consistently with the appropriate...

Topical Issue Debate: Overseas Development Aid (22 Jan 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I thank Deputy Mitchell for raising this issue and allowing me to put on the record of the House the Government's welcome of the designation of 2015 by the EU Foreign Affairs Council as European Year of Development. This year is a hugely important year for development as it coincides with important intergovernmental negotiations on development and climate change which will take place...