Results 5,181-5,200 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

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

Charles Flanagan: I have addressed the subject of the UK-EU relationship in two earlier replies, to Questions Nos. 10 and 11. My Department, both at its headquarters in Dublin and through its diplomatic missions in London, Edinburgh, Brussels and elsewhere, is highly engaged on the issue of the UK’s membership of the EU. As part of work across government, the question of potential economic and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Terrorism (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ending the devastating conflict in Syria, which has imposed enormous burdens on neighbouring States, is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, and the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours. This instability is also impacting on Europe in the form of both large scale migration and the recent terrorist attacks. Airstrikes have been conducted against...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US continues to be a priority for the Government in its contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., and in conjunction with regular high level political visits, the Government continues to promote the immigration reform agenda with high level Government contacts in the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The European Union has taken a number of steps to differentiate between its treatment of imports from Israel and goods coming from illegal Israeli settlements. Settlement goods are not entitled to the lower tariffs that are the norm in the EU, and meat from settlements may not be certified by Israeli veterinary authorities. EU research funding may not be spent in settlements. Most...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Deaths of Irish Citizens Abroad (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I am keenly aware that the first anniversary of the tragic death of this Irish citizen has been marked in recent days, and understand the frustrations of the family with the delays in determining the cause of death. In the course of the past year, my Department has provided extensive consular assistance to the family of the Irish citizen through our Embassy in New Delhi, our Honorary...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Terrorism (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Government fully supports the removal of the threat to international peace and security posed by DA'ESH, consistent with international law. DA'ESH's horrific crimes in Paris and Beirut, as well as their systematic crimes against the rights and the existence of ethnic, religious and LGBTI minorities, women and children across the Middle East must be prevented by all legal means possible....

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

Charles Flanagan: I would direct the Deputy to my previous replies today to Questions Nos. 10, 11 and 28, which address the same subject matter.

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

Charles Flanagan: This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 16 today. 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...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland has committed to providing €3 million to the new EU Trust Fund to address the root causes of the migration crisis in Africa. The funding will be provided over the coming five years. Ireland will therefore provide €600,000 annually from 2016 to 2020. This contribution is being earmarked for the Horn of Africa regional window of the Trust Fund which includes three of...

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

Charles Flanagan: This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 19. 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'...

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

Charles Flanagan: In November 2014, the 'stocktake' report of the Independent Assessment Team, which reviewed progress in implementing the Roe House Agreement of 2010, was published. Its recommendations were accepted by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice. Two recommendations concerned areas under the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office. Progress in implementing the recommendations has been...

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

Charles Flanagan: This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 19. 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....

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: International Terrorism (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to Deputy Micheál Martin earlier this week concerning these issues. I discussed the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in Syria to the peoples and States of the Middle East region and the European Union and the need for coordinated international action with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London on 23 November. Ireland fully...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Missions (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: On 16 November, in the wake of the horrific attacks in Paris, President Hollande stated that France was invoking Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union. The article states that “If a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power, in accordance with...

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

Charles Flanagan: Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US remains a priority for the Government in our contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we continue to work closely with high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond. The aim of these contacts is to achieve...

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

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 491, 492 and 512 together. My Department has a clear strategy in this case which 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 so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, second,...

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

Charles Flanagan: Ending the catastrophe which has befallen Syria, and which has imposed enormous burdens on the States neighbouring Syria, is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours. This has been a key priority for Ireland and its EU partners in recent years. I welcome the announcements of 30 October and 14 November by...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 498 together. Conflicts and crises in the wider Middle East region continue to be of great concern to the international community, and to feature prominently on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council. Some of these conflicts have followed directly from the events of the Arab Spring, when authoritarian regimes were challenged and in some cases...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (17 Dec 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The scale of the migration challenge facing the international community is enormous. The conflict in Syria - the biggest driver behind this year’s migrant flows - has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. But the problem is bigger than Syria. An estimated 60 million displaced people worldwide are on the move, the highest since World War II. They are coming not just...