Results 4,121-4,140 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Migration Issues (24 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: This is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, whose Department advises my officials that if an EU Member State is not meeting its obligations in relation to EU law, while this would be a concern for Ireland and other Member States, it would ultimately be a matter for the European Commission to address.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (24 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The HR section of my Department would be happy to discuss such a proposal with Staff Side representatives. At present, frontline staff in our passport offices provide their names to customers on request and also identify themselves by name in routine correspondence.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (25 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Embassy of Ireland in London accepted a letter of protest on the afternoon 11 February, having agreed to do so by telephone earlier that day. The Embassy also brought the letter to the attention of the Department in Dublin. On this occasion, the letter was accepted inside the Embassy premises. While media may freely cover any such presentations when they are made outside the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Relations (25 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland’s positive links with Cuba have grown steadily, in particular since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 1999. As I have stated before, I would wish to see our bilateral relations develop further. In 2014, bilateral trade in goods was valued at €1.35 million, consolidating the increase of the previous year. We hope that, as the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (25 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: A deterioration in the crisis in Yemen precipitated a discussion at the EU Foreign Affairs Council which I attended and participated in on 9 February 2015. This meeting was an opportunity for the EU to discuss collectively how best to respond to the deepening political and security crisis in Yemen. The Foreign Affairs Council adopted conclusions on Yemen at this meeting which reflect...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (25 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: From 15thto 19thFebruary, I visited Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territory. I had also intended to visit Jordan but it was not possible to visit on this occasion due to deteriorating weather conditions. I hope to reschedule that visit in the near future. In Lebanon, I had the opportunity to meet with the UNIFIL Force Commander, Lieutenant General Portolano, who briefed me on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (25 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The most recent round of negotiations between the parties was suspended last April, having effectively come to a halt some weeks earlier. It is clearly important to bring about a return to serious negotiations, and I encouraged this in my political meetings during my visit to the region last week. However, there is a widespread view among EU Ministers, which I share, that neither party is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Ukrainian Conflict (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The EU has been at the forefront of international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and Ireland has participated actively in shaping the Union’s approach. An agreement was reached in Minsk on 12 February on a new peace deal aimed at ending the ten-month conflict in eastern Ukraine. The declaration agreed in Minsk by Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, President Putin and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Ukrainian Conflict (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with Deputy Smith's condemnation of the unacceptable levels of violence, destruction and displacement. Deplorable violence and suffering have been inflicted on thousands of innocent civilians over many months, and we are now facing a very serious humanitarian crisis in the region. The European Union has led the way in providing urgently needed support to the local populations in the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Ukrainian Conflict (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: In regard to my engagement with EU colleagues in the region, including in particular Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria and Romania, these matters are discussed on an ongoing basis at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings. I am fully briefed by my colleagues in the area who have expressed serious concerns about the ongoing situation in their neighbourhood. In regard to the presence of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Deputy Crowe was correct when he said that I had the opportunity to visit Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territory from 15 to 19 February. What was striking overall was that increasing instability, in particular arising from the conflict in Syria, is casting a dark shadow over the entire region. In Lebanon, I had the opportunity to meet the UNIFIL force commander, Major General...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I want to see the political process put back on track. In all of those meetings, the emphasis was placed on ensuring there were talks leading towards a two-state solution. The Deputy will be aware that elections are taking place in Israel currently. I hope we will see elections to the Palestinian Authority in the very near future. I refer to what the Deputy said in regard to formal...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I do not disagree with what Deputy Crowe said but I emphasise that my whole approach will be guided by a concern to ensure that the actions of Ireland will make a positive contribution to the achievement of a Palestinian state. We continue to stress, as successive Government have for some time, that a two-state solution is the only solution for the region that will bring about stability and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Syrian Conflict (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland continues to support efforts by the EU and the UN to promote a political resolution of the current conflict in both Syria and Iraq. We have repeatedly stressed that only a political solution can achieve a sustainable peace in Syria. We will also continue to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and provide urgent assistance and support to the civilian populations...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Syrian Conflict (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for her continued engagement on this matter and for raising these issues regularly in the House and beyond. She is right. One of the most difficult features of the crisis in Syria is that many of those who are most in need are beyond the reach of humanitarian aid. Many are unable to receive it and many are only receiving it on a sporadic basis. Both the Syrian...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Syrian Conflict (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I stress the importance of ensuring an adequate level of humanitarian aid to the region. I acknowledge what the Deputy has said with particular reference to refugees in Lebanon, in Jordan and in the wider region. In December, the United Nations released its 2015 Syria crisis appeal plan, requesting over $8.4 billion to meet the needs of millions of people in Syria and across the region. So...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The focus of the Government is currently on the effective and expeditious implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. In this context, I represented the Government, together with the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, at the first implementation and review meeting of the agreement in Belfast on 30 January last, at which a detailed implementation timeline was agreed. Both the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The important aspect with regard to the establishment of new bodies and forums of whatever shape is that they be balanced and that there be cross-community representation. As a result of our deliberations prior to signing the historical Stormont House Agreement, I am satisfied with regard to any new bodies that are established. I agree with Deputy Smith that the timeframes are very...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I accept the importance for victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland conflict, including those in this jurisdiction, as referenced by Deputy Smith, of the fact that the Stormont House Agreement provides for a new and comprehensive framework for dealing with the legacy of the past. In the agreement, the two Governments recognised that there are outstanding investigations into allegations...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (26 Feb 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a long-standing working relationship with the Justice for the Forgotten group. It is also in regular and ongoing contact with the Pat Finucane Centre on a range of legacy-related cases. My officials are in contact with the Justice for the Forgotten group with a view to arranging a meeting to discuss the Stormont House Agreement. The...