Results 5,161-5,180 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Department's approach to this case is focused on achieving a positive outcome at the earliest time possible for this citizen. That strategy is based on two key objectives: first, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities in order that he can return to his family and tudies in Ireland and, second, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention....

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge what Deputy Paul Murphy has said - that this is ultimately an issue which will not be decided here in Dublin by the Irish authorities, but in Cairo by the Egyptian authorities. However, I wish to assure the House that many of the suggestions that have been put forward are well meant and are taken having regard to the need to ensure the welfare and health of the citizen. As...

Other Questions: EU Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Although the date is not yet known, Prime Minister Cameron has confirmed that before the end of 2017 a referendum will be held in the United Kingdom regarding their continued membership of the EU. The final decision on the matter, therefore, lies with the UK electorate. As independent studies have shown, a UK exit from the EU has the potential to be most damaging for Ireland. The...

Other Questions: EU Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The positive impact the EU has had in Northern Ireland is often overlooked and forgotten. That is why I have been very clear - most recently in a speech at Queen's University in Belfast - in explaining why I think a UK withdrawal from the EU would be bad for Northern Ireland. For a start, the EU has helped to foster peace and reconciliation, and has provided a framework for co-operation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I have partially addressed this subject in my reply given today Question No. 10. As independent studies have shown, a UK withdrawal from the EU would have negative implications for Ireland. There is, at this stage, little doubt about that. Determining the full impact of such a complex scenario is, however, extremely difficult, especially given that much would depend on the exact terms of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Migration Crisis (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: On 29 November, the Taoiseach attended an EU heads of state or government meeting with Turkey, at which it was agreed to activate the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan aimed at managing the current refugee and migrant crisis, as well as several further shared commitments and actions. The Joint Action Plan contains short- and medium-term measures to be undertaken by the European Union and Turkey....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Student Visa Waiver Programme (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The US J1 Summer Work and Travel programme has been a tremendously successful part of the Irish-US bilateral relationship for almost 50 years, with 150,000 Irish third level students having experienced the US through the programme over that time. The independent US sponsoring bodies managing the great majority of Irish J1 participants have introduced a requirement for citizens of Visa...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ending the conflict in Syria, which has imposed enormous burdens on neighbouring States, is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours. The conflict has, effectively, been the key global foreign policy issue for Ireland, the EU and the UN for the past four years. As such, I have discussed the Syrian crisis at...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Egyptian Conflict (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: As has been previously stated to this House, my Department has two clear objectives in this case: first, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, second, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. In furtherance of those clear objectives, our Embassy in Cairo has paid numerous...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft Landings (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Permission may be granted to foreign military aircraft, including US military aircraft, to land at Irish airports on the strict condition that they must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations. Successive Governments have made landing facilities...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Government works consistently to achieve a sovereign Palestinian state not just in theory but in fact, and all of our actions on the Israeli/Palestinian issue are directed to that end. It is central to our objective of a two state solution that will ensure the security and prosperity of both peoples. I continue to consider carefully whether the recognition by Ireland now of a state...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I met last Friday with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford MLA. Among the issues we discussed was the situation in Maghaberry prison, including the regime for separated prisoners. My last meeting with Secretary of State Theresa Villiers was on 17 November, as we concluded the negotiation of the 'Fresh Start' Agreement. We will meet again before the end of the month,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft Landings (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I have not made representations to the US Embassy on this subject. Permission must be sought in advance for landings by all foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, at Irish airports and if granted, is subject to strict conditions which I have outlined many times in this House. Successive Governments have made landing facilities at Shannon available to the US for well over 50...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Government’s commitment to seeking a fair and just outcome to the case of the late Pat Finucane case through our efforts in the Council of Europe is complemented by our commitment to continue to raise this case bilaterally with the British Government. I have on many occasions raised the Pat Finucane case with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and will continue to do...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Human rights issues form a continuous part of EU discussions on third party countries, be it at EU Ministerial level or among EU representatives in the countries concerned. Ireland has the greatest impact on matters of foreign policy, including human rights, when we speak with one voice with all of our EU partners. As such, we regularly raise human rights matters in conjunction with our EU...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Tourism Promotion (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I am pleased to have this opportunity to update the Deputy further on my Department’s promotion of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ since her question of 3 November 2015 on the same initiative. While tourism falls under the portfolio of my Ministerial colleague, Paschal Donohoe, T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Deputy is no doubt aware of my own...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Death Penalty (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland has a longstanding policy of strong opposition to the death penalty and we are actively engaged in international efforts, including through the EU, to secure its universal abolition. Along with our EU partners, Ireland actively supports UN resolutions on the death penalty at the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. We have also used our current term of membership of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft Landings (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. The Government’s continued commitment to this policy was re-confirmed in its Foreign Policy Review “The Global Island,” and in its White Paper on Defence, published earlier this year. Successive Governments have made landing facilities at Shannon...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: On the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December last week, I was pleased to announce publication of the Working Outline of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. The text of the Working Outline is available on my Department’s website and copies have been sent to civil society and business organisations. The Working Outline is the result of extensive consultation with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft Landings (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: All arrangements concerning the regulation of foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, passing through Irish airspace or landing at Irish airports, are kept under ongoing review.