Results 5,421-5,440 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (17 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Department works closely with An Post to ensure that Passport Express customers are updated regularly on target turnaround times for passport applications. Passport renewal times can vary depending on seasonal and other factors. The Passport Service has experienced a 15% increase approximately in applications so far this year over 2015 and demand is expected to remain very high in the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (17 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Government is committed to recognising the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict. The Government works consistently to achieve a free, independent and 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...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (17 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Resolution L.39 at the 31st session of the UN Human Rights Council in March requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to compile the database referred to. There are questions as to the ability or resources of the UNHCHR to undertake such a task. The EU members of the HRC abstained on this resolution partly because of these concerns, and the belief that application of the Guiding...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (17 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of this proposal, initiated by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), to lift the immunity from prosecution of some 130 Members of the Turkish Parliament through the suspension of Chapter 83 of the Constitution. I understand the draft legislative change was initially discussed by Parliamentary Committee in late April. On 2 May, the Committee approved the draft proposal,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff (17 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy acknowledges, civil servants on assignment abroad are considered to be resident in Ireland for taxation purposes and for electoral purposes. In 2014, it was also confirmed that the dependent children of officials serving the State abroad, and residing with the official, would be considered resident in Ireland for the purposes of university tuition fees. In a number of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (18 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I can assure the Deputy that I fully share her concerns about this case. The Government and my Department are continuing to pursue every constructive avenue to secure the release of this citizen and we will continue to bring all of our influence to bear on his behalf through all appropriate channels. All of the sustained and focused actions that have been taken by the Taoiseach, myself...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation Expenditure (18 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation). The work of our Embassies around the world continues to be important in Ireland’s economic recovery and the restoration of our international reputation. Our Embassies’ work in support of Ireland’s interests includes: - Promoting Ireland as a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (18 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. However, I would caution that the valuation figures provided are subject to the price volatility of the current global property market. The Embassies listed have been acquired in capitals where the Government considers that the State should be represented and where there is clear advantage to owning, rather than...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (18 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The information requested by the Deputy is listed in the following table. Figures relate to rental payments from 2013 - 2015. My Department proactively manages our lease portfolio and engages actively with our Missions on an ongoing basis to ensure value for money and that, where possible, savings are made. This does not include Multi-lateral Missions or Consulates. LOCATION 2013 2014...

Adjournment Debate: Passport Applications (19 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I thank Deputy Breathnach for raising this important issue. The Irish Passport Office, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as its parent Department, are committed to ongoing reform and innovation to enhance and protect the integrity of the Irish passport booklet. Our passport booklet is widely recognised as being one of the most secure in the world. Protecting its reputation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Aviation Issues (19 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: My Department would not recommend against the granting of an exemption for the carriage of such items through Irish airspace on civil aircraft in circumstances where they are being transported for Irish Defence Forces or An Garda Síochána purposes. As stated in my reply to question 128, the final decision on all applications is taken by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (19 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: There are a number of ways of submitting your passport application and each of these services have different turnaround times. Passport Express through the An Post office network is most convenient and cost effective method for applicants who wish to renew a passport and whose departure date is more than 15 working days away. It should be noted that the turnaround time of 15 working days for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (19 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Dealing with the legacy of the past relating to the conflict in Northern Ireland is a major priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Government, and this is reflected in the new Programme for Government. In relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, we have specifically committed in the Programme for Government to continuing our active pursuit of the implementation of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Application Refusals (19 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (the Act). This provides a legal basis for the various policies and practices, which are applied by the Passport Service in the issue of passports. It broadly requires that a person must be an Irish citizen; his/her identity is proven; andin the case of a child, the witnessed consent of that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (24 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (the Act). This provides a legal basis for the issue of passports. It broadly requires that: - a person must be an Irish citizen; - his/her identity is proven; and - in the case of a child, the witnessed consent of that child’s guardian(s) is provided. Citizenship Irish citizenship is subject...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (24 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended. This provides a legal basis for the issue of passports. It broadly requires that: - a person must be an Irish citizen; and - his/her identity is proven. From the details supplied, there is no record of an application from the person in question on the passport system. It is, therefore, open to her to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Properties (24 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: My Department does not own any State properties or land holdings.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (24 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: As of 20 May, the turnaround time for passport renewals through Passport Express is 13/14 working days (applicants are advised that the projected turnaround time is 15 working days). The turnaround time for first time applications is longer at 25 working days due to the additional anti-fraud measures required and the need to establish citizenship. Applications made for Irish passports...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (24 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The relatives in this case should contact the responsible agencies, including UNHCR and UNICEF, in Damascus directly, where such family reunification cases are dealt with. Ireland is strongly committed to alleviating the suffering of the people of Syria and, since 2012, has provided over €42 million in humanitarian support to those affected by the Syria crisis. We have pledged to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (24 May 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Since 29 March 2016, my Department has required all first-time passport applicants who are resident in Ireland and are over eighteen years of age to hold a valid Public Services Card. This new requirement also applies to the small number of adult applicants whose last passport was issued prior to 1 January 2005 and which is now reported as lost, stolen or damaged. The measure is an important...