Results 6,001-6,020 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Controls (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of the interview referred to by the Deputy and of the 2010 episode to which he also refers. The use of forged Irish passports by Israel was firmly dealt with by the Government of the day. Following the murder in Dubai of Mahmoud Al Mahbouh in 2010, a strong protest and condemnation was conveyed to the Israeli authorities, and an officer of their Embassy in Dublin was expelled....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I have voiced clearly, including in this House, Ireland's concerns over the situation in Syria, and in particular in Aleppo, the including the possible commission of war crimes. Our concerns about Russia's support for the actions of the Assad regime have been communicated directly to the Russian authorities. I have indicated on numerous occasions that my belief that there must be...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Resolutions (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland's concerns about economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba are long-standing and clear. Our opinion is that the embargo serves no constructive purpose. We maintain our view that it is the right of Cuban citizens to decide independently on their future and the Government has been clear on this point in our international contacts. At the same time we have also...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 60 together. At my direction, two senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade formally conveyed Ireland's concerns in relation to the human catastrophe that is unfolding in Syria - and in the city of Aleppo in particular - directly to the Russian Ambassador in the clearest possible terms. Subsequently these concerns were conveyed...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I have called repeatedly for those committing crimes against civilians and humanitarians to be held accountable before the International Criminal Court and I repeat that call. There is an urgent need for a credible and independent investigation into claims made by UN SG Ban and others of war crimes committed in Syria. I continue to press for accountability, both to provide the victims with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: We have been following the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), closely, together with EU partners. The Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on 17 October adopted Conclusions expressing deep concern at the political situation and condemning the acts of extreme violence that took place on 19 and 20 September. The Conclusions stress that the political crisis in the DRC...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Air Services Provision (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 65 together. While this issue is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government fully supports all efforts to promote and strengthen air transport links between Ireland and the United States. This includes the proposed Norwegian Air International route between Cork...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Expenditure (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together. The Government has consistently affirmed its strong commitment to Ireland's overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for international development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Court of Human Rights Judgments (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: On 2 December 2014, the Government announced its decision to request the European Court of Human Rights to revise its 1978 judgment in the case taken by Ireland against the UK. The request was filed with the Court on 4 December 2014. On the basis of new material uncovered, the Government has contended that the ill-treatment suffered by the Hooded Men should be recognised as torture. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Until the shape of the UK's exit from the EU is known, the potential impact on EU foreign and security policy is difficult to predict. Given this uncertainty, and the ongoing instability in the EU neighbourhood, it is important, now more than ever, for the EU to present a shared vision of its future. The newly published EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy aims to do just that....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland does not have a presence on the ground in Syria or Yemen and we do not directly monitor the supply of military equipment by other states to the Middle East or elsewhere. I am therefore not in a position to make a statement on these matters. However, I am extremely concerned by the reports of widespread civilian casualties in both Syria and Yemen and the reports of possible war...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I have been following the situation in Yemen since the hostilities began in early 2015. In this House, I welcomed the news of a ceasefire last April, and I was very disappointed to learn of its breakdown in August. However, there have been some signs of hope over the last few days, with parties agreeing to temporarily lay down arms as they consider returning to the negotiating table. I...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Agreements (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland does not make trade deals bilaterally. The European Union is responsible for managing trade and investment relations with non-EU countries, and concludes trade agreements on behalf of EU Member States. The EU has not concluded any trade deals with Egypt in the past five years. However, the EU-Egypt Association Agreement of 2004 establishes a free-trade area which eliminates...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Disaster Response (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland has responded quickly and effectively to the devastation and suffering caused by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. Through Irish Aid, my Department organised an airlift of humanitarian supplies from Ireland's prepositioned stocks in Panama, to provide relief to 1,000 families in one of the worst affected areas. I have approved a total of €1.7 million in funding for experienced...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Security Co-operation (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I cannot comment on any reports concerning arrangements for national security or responses that might be taken in the event of a terrorist attack. I can confirm however that the Government's engagement in international security cooperation is aimed at ensuring public safety and is conducted with full respect for Irish sovereign decision-making authority and for Ireland's long standing policy...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The restrictions on Gaza, and the continuing need for reconstruction there, remain an important priority. The broad trend has been for a slight relaxation of the restrictions on Gaza since the 2014 conflict, with an increase in deliveries into Gaza of about 53% in the first eight months of this year, over the 2015 level, as measured in truckloads. There was a similar increase in the very...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Throughout all our discussions with our UK and EU counterparts, the Irish Government has been clear that we are committed to maintaining the open and effectively invisible border and protecting the Common Travel Area (CTA). The CTA is an important feature of the close relationship between Ireland and the UK with long-established benefits for trade and tourism between our two countries. It...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Aid (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Through the Irish Aid programme, my Department works with a range of partners to deliver on our longstanding commitment to improve access to quality health and HIV services for poor and marginalised communities. Partners are selected on the basis of their contribution to the Department's priority outcomes, the quality of results achieved and their capacity to use funds effectively. Since...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: At last week's European Council meeting, EU leaders held a long debate on relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The intended focus of the discussion was on the broad set of issues that define the relationship. However, given the timing of the discussion, it was inevitable that Russia's actions in Syria and Ukraine dominated the exchanges. On Ukraine,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid Provision (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Since 2012, Ireland has provided €62 million in humanitarian assistance as a result of the appalling conflict in Syria, including €20 million so far in 2016. At present, it is Ireland's largest response to any humanitarian crisis. Irish Aid funding, managed by my Department, seeks to meet the needs of those inside Syria, particularly in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, and...