Results 4,801-4,811 of 4,811 for speaker:Neale Richmond

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Road Safety (3 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: I thank the Deputy for expressing condolences in the House. I suppose when he submitted this Topical Issue, he did not think we would be thinking of tragedies on our roads and indeed more high-profile ones. It is a timely reminder. The Ceann Comhairle has such a strong track record on road safety, it is appropriate we take a moment before discussing this specific issue. As the Deputy...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Road Safety (3 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: I am glad to hear that the response was of some use. We look at the quantums available, as I alluded to at the outset of my initial response, in terms of the capital spending budget, not necessarily for new national road projects but the €2.9 billion allocated for the protection and renewal of the existing national road network, with a considerable amount, €502 million, made...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (3 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government has repeatedly called on Israel to fully lift its blockade of humanitarian and commercial supplies for Gaza, and allow the immediate, unimpeded resumption of humanitarian aid, in line with humanitarian principles. The current limitations on the volume and means of distribution of humanitarian aid are causing untold levels of suffering for the people of Gaza, especially its...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Humanitarian Access (8 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: I genuinely and sincerely thank Deputy Crowe for tabling this very timely Topical Issue. Even though it is a late hour, it is the most appropriate opportunity to talk about a key aspect of a vicious and bloody conflict that has seized the Irish and global body politic for quite some time, particularly since the horrific events of 7 October, followed by the brutal and unacceptable response of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Humanitarian Access (8 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: I do not know. I do not think we are doing enough. I do not think any of us are doing enough because, ultimately, there will be scores of Palestinian children killed tonight. I think we accept that with heavy hearts, but I wonder what more we can do than what we are doing. It is important that we constantly have this debate. That is why I repeat my genuine gratitude to the Deputy for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (8 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: The "Graduate Gateway" is overseen by the Irish Business Organisation of New York. The IBO has been a recipient of Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) funding for a number of years. In 2024, the IBO was awarded $17,000 in ESP funding, $10,000 of which was allocated to Graduate Gateway-related events. 2025 ESP grant awards are currently under consideration and decisions will be communicated to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diaspora Issues (10 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government is committed to deepening our ties with our diaspora to ensure our relationship with our global Irish communities is a dynamic one that meets their needs and can also adapt to evolving circumstances. Central to our approach is the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which provides grants to organisations in the voluntary sector who work with our most vulnerable citizens...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (10 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government remains deeply concerned by the conflict in Sudan and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Since April 2023, the situation has continued to deteriorate, with devastating consequences. Over 14 million people have fled their homes and over 25 million people are in acute food insecurity, some facing famine. The two main parties to the conflict – the Sudanese Armed Forces...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (10 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: We remain deeply concerned at the continuing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Almost half of the population depend on humanitarian assistance to survive, including 12 million children. Years of conflict have decimated the population’s ability to recover, and widespread human rights abuses and food insecurity drive humanitarian need. The Programme for Government re-instated our...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diaspora Issues (10 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, work is underway on preparing the development of the new Diaspora Strategy to succeed our current strategy which expires at the end of this year. I am keen to understand the issues affecting long-standing emigrants, newer arrivals, second and third generations and those in under-represented communities so that our new strategy...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (10 Jul 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government remains deeply concerned by the situation in Sudan. More than two years of conflict have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 25 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine. Recent attacks on Port Sudan and the attacking of a UN convoy in North Darfur mark an escalation in...