Results 5,661-5,680 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of reports regarding gender-based violence in Brazil to which the Deputy has referred. A number of cases are being investigated by Brazilian authorities and, therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on matters that are in effect ongoing investigations. However, I wish to point to the Marie da Penha law which was enacted in Brazil in 2006 which is the principal...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 36 and 59 together. I and my Government colleagues are extremely disappointed at the recent news of a further delay in the trial of this citizen. This latest delay is a particular source of concern and frustration for the citizen and his family and we fully share their sense of frustration. It is our understanding that at the latest hearing in this case...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: In relation to Peter Greste, as named by the Deputy, of course I welcome his release. I would welcome any advice or guidance he or Deputy Smith might proffer in my direction as to how best this case might be advanced.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the Deputy that my door is open, as it is to any Member who may have observations, advice or guidance. It is important to note that each and every case is different. We have considered the cases, as mentioned, in some detail. We have consulted extensively on them, but my focus remains on the citizen, and his case, which is before the courts. We have consulted extensively,...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the House that the Government formally supported an application made by the legal team on behalf of Ibrahim Halawa in 2015 for his return to Ireland under Presidential Decree 140, as referred to by the Deputy. This was done by way of formal diplomatic notes and by our embassy in Cairo at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 February 2015, in consultation with the family...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of recent reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, including testimony from migrants and witnesses that some Turkish border guards have used violence against Syrians. I learned with deep concern of the death of 11 refugees on the Turkish-Syrian border on 19 June. I am also aware that the Turkish Foreign Ministry has refuted allegations that the refugees were shot...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: As I said earlier, and I think Deputy Daly may have been present, the EU and Turkey have been working together for many months to address what is a hugely challenging migrant crisis. Turkey is hosting an estimated 2.7 million refugees, which is an enormous number for any country. The EU is committed to assisting Turkey and has established a €3 billion facility for refugees there....

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Under the agreement between the EU and Turkey, each migrant has the right to apply for international protection in Greece, to have his or her application assessed on an individual basis in line with international law, including the right to appeal. Part of the assessment of persons process includes ascertaining whether Turkey can be considered a safe country, given an irregular migrant or...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Military Aircraft Landings (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, made under the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1946, gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland. Permission must be sought in advance for landings by all foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, and, if granted, is subject to strict...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Military Aircraft Landings (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I remind the Deputy that prior permission is required for all foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports. Permission is subject to a strict set of conditions and criteria. Bilateral relations between friendly nations are founded on mutual trust and both parties have an interest in maintaining that trust. Details provided by diplomatic missions, including confirmation that aircraft...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Military Aircraft Landings (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Questions regarding the arrangements concerning the operation of the application process are a matter for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, the carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on civil aircraft travelling through Irish air space or airports unless an exemption has been...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I agree with the Deputy that the situation of unaccompanied minors is a distressing aspect of the ongoing migration crisis and there are concerns in this regard in many countries in Europe and elsewhere. While there is an acknowledged problem with the care of unaccompanied minors in parts of Greece, the Greek authorities are working with the UN High Commission for Refugees and UNICEF to...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: This question has been discussed on previous occasions. What Ireland can do in these circumstances and whether it can take in more unaccompanied minors in response to what is a crisis of huge dimension is an important issue. Tusla, the child and family agency, under the auspices of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, has statutory responsibility for unaccompanied minors. I...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The response is twofold in so far as there is an EU response and an Irish national response. As stated earlier, the Greek authorities are working closely with the UN High Commission for Refugees and UNICEF to provide appropriate facilities for unaccompanied minors. The European Asylum Support Office is also working closely with the authorities with a view to an appropriate response. In...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UK Referendum on EU Membership (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The referendum outcome presents serious challenges for the EU as a whole but it presents specific challenges here in Ireland as I and my Government colleagues, repeatedly outlined in the period leading up to the 23 June referendum. It is important for us now in the days, weeks, months and, indeed, years ahead, that Ireland’s particular circumstances are understood and taken into...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UK Referendum on EU Membership (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am very conscious of the deep concerns and anxiety that have arisen for many people across the community in Northern Ireland about the referendum outcome. The fact that the majority within Northern Ireland who voted to remain now face their preference being set aside as a result of the overall result across the UK raises profound issues. As mentioned earlier in my response to Deputy...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 60 together. I visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory from 13 to 15 June. In the course of my visit, I met with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. I also met with the leader of the opposition in the Knesset, Mr. Isaac Herzog, and with the Chair of the Knesset’s Committee on Foreign...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North-South Ministerial Council (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: In line with the Government’s commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Governmentto continue to advance North South cooperation, my Department promotes and coordinates such cooperation, particularly through supporting the work of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). In the aftermath of the UK Referendum vote to leave the European Union this is now of vital importance....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, and strongly condemns its use in all instances, including for those accused of apostasy or conversion to another religion. Ireland promotes fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion, and strives to promote this principled position in all of its bilateral relations, including with Saudi Arabia. The abolition of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (5 Jul 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Northern Ireland poverty bulletin for the period 2014 - 2015 was published by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland on 28 June. The bulletin provides annual estimates of the percentage and number of people, children, working age adults and pensioners living in low income households in Northern Ireland. I am aware that the bulletin included the worrying statistic that 25%...