Results 44,501-44,520 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Bodies (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as the first permanent international court to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute. By its very existence the Court not only promotes and upholds the rule of law but also provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR or Naturalisation. Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department has a policy on blended working for staff at HQ offices which is aligned with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service organisations. It is subject to ongoing review to ensure it is being implemented in an effective way, is meeting the needs of the people the Department serves while also meeting the needs of staff. Staff based at offices, whose roles are...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: I can confirm that there are no State boards or agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: Irish State investments are a matter for the Minister for Finance. Ireland’s overriding position on Israeli settlements is crystal clear. They are illegal under international law and are damaging to the prospects for peace. Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: As I have previously stated regarding the EU-Israel Association in October 2022, and as I made clear to this House at the time, Ireland’s position was that such a meeting would only go ahead once an EU position was finalised. This approach was important as it enabled the EU to speak with one voice on key issues of concern, notably in relation to human rights and international law, and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 61 together. Ireland's overall financial support to Ukraine since February 2022 amounts to €210 million, comprised of over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian funding and commitments of approximately €122 million in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility. Funding for humanitarian assistance...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: I had the opportunity to meet with Colombia’s Minister for Defence, Ivan Velasquez, during my recent visit to Colombia on 10-11 January. Ireland’s continued support to peacebuilding in Colombia was the key issue discussed in a rich and engaging encounter. This included hearing Minister Velasquez's perspectives on the ongoing peace dialogues in Colombia. We spoke of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR or Naturalisation. Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visa Agreements (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: As the Deputy will appreciate, United States immigration regulation and operations are a matter solely for the relevant US authorities. In January 2021, the United States designated Cuba as a 'State Sponsor of Terrorism'. My understanding is that travellers who have visited a country with this designation may no longer be eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Irish passport is a vital document of the Irish State and is currently ranked third in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides citizens with visa-free access to over 190 countries. The existing passport book is ten years old and, in order to maintain the integrity and security of the passport, frequent redesigns and enhanced security features to passport books, passport cards and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Sign Language (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: My Department complies with the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. The Department endeavours to maximise accessibility of its video content published on social media, and to date has prioritised provision of video content with accompanying closed captions/subtitles...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: Trade policy, including with regard to EU engagement, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. On the broader issue of EU leverage, as I have previously stated, the most credible and effective approach is for Ireland to continue to work to influence the EU’s collective position in a realistic manner. The central pillars of the EU position...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: I have been engaging intensively with EU, regional and international partners since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. I have conveyed the urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire and a significant increase in humanitarian access and supplies into Gaza. Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these two core objectives. I...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: Since the start of this crisis my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and accompanying dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave. The Government, through our Embassies in the region, has consistently sought clearance for all Irish citizens who wish to exit Gaza to do so. We continue to advocate with the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: Unfortunately the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. My officials will compile the information requested and I will arrange to have this data forwarded as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: In line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations, my Department launched its Blended Working Policy in late October 2022. Staff availing of blended working are required to attend the office on a minimum of 2 specific days each week as agreed with their manager. The only State body currently under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Irish Sign Language (24 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: In the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, three per cent of my Department's social media videos included Irish sign language (ISL) translations, and eighty per cent of social media videos included closed captioning/subtitling. These figures include video content reposted to departmental social media channels and where automated closed captioning is available through video hosting...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: I want to begin by underlining my grave concern at the dire situation in Gaza. I am urgently calling for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire; the unconditional release of all hostages; and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for the benefit of those in desperate need. The protection of civilians must be paramount and there must be accountability for civilian deaths....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (25 Jan 2024)

Micheál Martin: As I have made repeatedly clear in this House, the Government is taking this case very seriously. Following the oral proceedings that took place on 11 and 12 January, the Court will deliver its order on the provisional measures in the South Africa case tomorrow, Friday 26 January. This decision will be analysed carefully by my officials once it has been published and we will continue to...