Results 46,081-46,100 of 46,575 for speaker:Simon Harris

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Absolutely. I thank Deputy Lawless for raising this issue on behalf of Michelle and Katie. I hope the outcome of that very significant surgery has gone well. I appreciate the Deputy highlighting this issue. I am going from memory and past experiences but, generally, the scheme would try to be compassionate and engaging with regard to supports for family members who may need to travel and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a range of help and supports to citizens in distress abroad. The Consular Assistance Charger outlines what to expect and sets out steps that we strongly encourage Irish people travelling abroad to take. Assistance is provided to citizens abroad in a range of situations including: Illness or injuries Death Victim of crime Arrest or...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: This conflict remains a central focus of Ireland’s foreign policy and my engagement with my EU and international counterparts. I have repeatedly called on Israel to fully lift its blockade and allow for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza. We have also been clear in our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for the release of remaining hostages. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Communications (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 189, 204 and 205 together. My Department is responsible for managing our diplomatic relations with over 190 States and international organisations. Communications with our counterparts are managed both through the Department at headquarters and across our diplomatic mission network. Communications conveyed or received by my Department and other...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: On May 28, violence broke out between the armies of Thailand and Cambodia in a disputed border region claimed by both states. After a brief exchange of gunfire, a Cambodian service member was killed. Following bilateral discussions, both sides agreed to return to their previously held positions and to create a buffer zone, citing their wish to deescalate tensions and to pursue a peaceful...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government in 2018 with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening of twenty-two new missions under the Strategy. A further five diplomatic missions were approved in 2024 with new embassies planned for Belgrade, Sarajevo and Chisinau, and consulates...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: Russia’s brutal war of aggression has inflicted indescribable suffering on the people of Ukraine. Millions have been forced to flee their homeland, and millions more are internally displaced. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, with thousands more, including children, forcibly removed, tortured or arbitrarily imprisoned by Russian forces. Ireland’s support for the people...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: As I have said previously, I condemn any endangerment of the safety of our peacekeepers in the execution of their mandated duties. The incident in Yaroun in May this year was unconscionable. Upon my instruction, on 30 May, immediately after the incident in Yaroun, our Permanent Representation to the United Nations in New York expressed our grave concerns directly to the Permanent Mission...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 to 200, inclusive, together. The Treaty on European Union (TEU) delineates the institutional framework for EU foreign policy. Articles 18 and 24 establish that the High Representative shall conduct the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and represent the Union for matters relating to CFSP. The High Representative, who is also...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together. Ireland is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and views it as the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice. We will continue to work with our international partners, including within the European Union, to support the ICC in fulfilling its mandate. I am aware of an official visit by...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: My Department’s Blended Working policy for staff in Ireland is framed within the context of the broader Civil Service Policy on Blended Working. All officers who avail of blended working are required to attend the office at least 50% of the time, over a four-week period. The specific arrangements of individual work patterns are agreed locally as part of the Blended Working...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Naval Service (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme includes various projects to upgrade, replace or purchase new equipment, including the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. This project is included in the rolling Equipment Development Plan for the Defence Forces which encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Army, Air Corps...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I wish to advise the Deputy that the United Nations (UN) regularly makes general requests for additional personnel to be made available to their missions in the area of mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and disposal of explosive remnants of war. The Defence Forces has built up considerable experience and expertise in the field of EOD and Counter Improvised Explosive Device...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Civil Defence (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Volunteer and Equipment Management System (VEMS) was rolled out for Civil Defence in July 2023. Training continues to be provided to new and existing Civil Defence Officers and Assistant Civil Defence Officers by the Department and as part of peer-to-peer training. This ensure inputs to the system are timely and relevant. VEMS has proven to be an effective tool for both Civil Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (19 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: 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. Employees can apply to avail of blended working through the centralised online application system...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Arts Funding (26 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I do not want to interrupt.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (26 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I want to acknowledge at the outset, because it is true, that people in this country are still finding the cost of living a very significant issue. I know that, the Deputy knows that and there is not a TD in Dáil Éireann who is not aware of that in their own community and from their own constituency work. I want to be clear the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (26 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: The Deputy is accusing me of saying things that I never said. Nobody suggested here that anyone is patting themselves on the back. What I did for the people watching at home was push back against the Deputy's misinformation and disinformation that the Government is not taking action on the cost of living. People know the record of this Government in helping them through the past number of...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (26 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: That is why they voted to put a centrist Government back in office.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (26 Jun 2025)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for highlighting what is the biggest domestic emergency we face in this country - the issue of housing. It is nowhere more acute than when it comes to children. We are united on that. I have huge respect for the Ombudsman of Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, for the work of his office and his independence. Both of the parties in government established this structure because...