Results 4,401-4,420 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (28 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: This issue was not on the agenda for the Foreign Affairs Council which focused largely on the crisis in Libya, Iran’s nuclear programme and the ongoing crisis in Yemen, amongst others. The Foreign Affairs Council was chaired by HRVP Mogherini with whom I have discussed this case on a number of occasions, most recently on 14 April. HRVP Mogherini continues to assure me of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (28 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of recent media reports. However, in line with diplomatic practice and international law, Ireland does not comment on the consideration of a request for appointment of an Ambassador by another state.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Debt Restructuring (28 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland, in common with all other EU Member States, was unable to support the UN General Assembly Resolution last September on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The main focus of the resolution was the establishment of an ad hoc committee to elaborate a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (28 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Passport Express available in over 70 post offices in Northern Ireland and application forms are available in all these Post Offices. In addition many elected public officials also provide them at their constituency offices. It is the policy of the Government to ensure the widest availability of application forms to all sections of the community in Northern Ireland. Therefore the Passport...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (28 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: During my recent visit, I witnessed at first hand the devastating human and physical impact of the 2014 conflict in Gaza. I met with victims of the conflict, including a father who had lost a child. I have also repeatedly condemned the excessive use of military force by Israel in Gaza both during and after the conflict, and also stated clearly that both Israel and Hamas were disregarding the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Remuneration (28 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has planned for this event and has made arrangements to ensure that salary payments normally due on 1 May 2015 will be paid on 30 April 2015.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (29 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Passports Act 2008 requires the passport service, to be satisfied on application, each person who is a guardian of the child has consented to the issuing of a passport to that child, before the passport can be issued. To address this requirement, Section 7 of the passport application form requires all guardians to confirm their consent in writing in the presence of a witness. As advised...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (29 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The international community is responding to the very considerable threat which ISIS poses, not just to the Middle East but to us all. In Ireland’s case, we are working closely with our partners in the EU and through the United Nations to coordinate our efforts and to strengthen the tools at our disposal. A special meeting of the European Council on 30 August 2014 called for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Data (29 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The information requested by the Deputy is in the table. MISSION Mid 2013 Mid 2014 2015 Abu Dhabi 6 Staff posted from HQ 5 locally recruited staff 6 Staff posted from HQ 4 locally recruited staff 6 Staff posted from HQ 4 locally recruited staff Abuja 6 Staff posted from HQ 5 locally recruited staff 6 Staff posted from HQ 5 locally recruited staff 6 Staff posted from HQ 5 locally...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Debt Cancellation (29 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together. Ireland, in common with all other EU Member States, was unable to support the UN General Assembly Resolution last September on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The main focus of the resolution...

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (30 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I welcome the opportunity for the House to debate economic policy and the Government’s plans to secure our hard-won economic recovery over the past four years. Since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade ten months ago, I have been directly involved in promoting our country’s trade and export markets, working with embassies, agencies and businesses in Ireland...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (30 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean is of great concern to Ireland, and to its EU and Southern partners. Solutions must be found jointly to address a crisis on this scale. On Monday 20 April, I attended a joint meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs and Justice and Home Affairs Councils to discuss migration issues, and in particular the situation in the Mediterranean. At that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (30 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Government is concerned by instances where innocent civilians have been killed by drone attacks. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (commonly referred to as “drones”) are used for both civilian and military purposes. Under international law, there is no prohibition on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as such. Their use in armed conflict is subject to international humanitarian law. This...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (30 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (commonly referred to as “drones”) are used for both civilian and military purposes. Under international law, there is no explicit prohibition on UAVs. Nevertheless, their use in armed conflict is subject to international humanitarian law. This sets specific requirements in relation to the use of force in armed conflict, including the principles of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Debt Cancellation (30 Apr 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Last September, the UN General Assembly was presented with a draft Resolution on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The main focus of the resolution was the setting up of an ad hoc committee to elaborate a binding debt resolution mechanism. Following...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Historical Conflicts (6 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 434 together. I would refer the Deputies to my most recent reply to a question on this issue which sets out Ireland's position. In the two weeks since my reply, centenary commemorations have been held in many parts of the world, including here in Ireland. Ireland's sympathy and concern was expressed formally by our Ambassador, John Biggar,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (6 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I met Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry in New York on Monday 27 April. I took the opportunity, as I have done on numerous occasions, to discuss this case with him in some detail and to outline Ireland's concerns regarding this case. In our discussion I noted my disappointment that a decision on the application for bail, an application formally supported by the Irish government, had been...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Sovereign Debt (6 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 438 together. In September 2014, the UN General Assembly was presented with a draft Resolution on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The main focus of the resolution was the setting up of an ad hoc committee...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Repatriation Assistance (6 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to thank the Deputy for bringing this case to the attention of my Department. An official from the Consular Assistance unit has contacted the husband of the person who is hospitalised abroad. It is my understanding that the patient's Consultant Psychiatrist, based at St Ita's Hospital, is in direct contact with the treating doctors in the UK and that arrangements will be made to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (6 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I am very concerned about the deteriorating situation in Burundi, and condemn the violence of recent days. This has involved a wave of killings, militias acting with impunity, arbitrary arrests, intimidation, closure of media outlets and targeting of human rights defenders. Burundi has experienced recurring violence over the years since its independence in 1962. The signing of the...