Results 6,081-6,100 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passports Misplacement (16 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The person to whom the Deputy refers submitted two passports by post to the Passport Service. These passports were returned to him in a delivery envelope which An Post has recorded as having been delivered to his address. The person has been in contact with my Department and was advised that as the items are recorded as collected from the Passport Service and delivered to his address he...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (17 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and agreement on a facility for future legal migration between Ireland and the US have been and will remain key objectives for the Government. The Government is committed to working constructively with the new Administration when it assumes its responsibilities on January 20th. In the meantime, we will avail of all opportunities...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Relations (17 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland’s network of Embassies and Consulates worldwide works to promote Ireland’s international trade, tourism and investment priorities in close co-ordination with key stakeholders including Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Bord Bia. Our missions host a large number of trade and economic events and liaise closely with governments and the private sector in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services Provision (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: My Department officials at headquarters in Dublin, at our Embassy in Singapore, which is accredited to the Philippines, and our Honorary Consul in Manila, have all been engaged in this case and have provided consular assistance to this individual and to his family, since they were first made aware of this citizen’s detention in 2013. Let me assure the Deputy that the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I reject the UK government’s assertion of jurisdiction over the whole of Lough Foyle, a claim which has never been accepted by any Irish Government. Uncertainty concerning the extent to which each Government exercises jurisdiction within Lough Foyle has created practical difficulties for the conduct of a number of activities there. This has included difficulty in creating a system...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Government is 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. Our immediate and ongoing efforts are focused on pressing the case with the Egyptian authorities for a positive response to the application made in August under Presidential Decree...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am deeply troubled about recent developments in Turkey, which have exacerbated ongoing concerns about Turkey’s adherence to core values such as democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law. I am also gravely concerned at the mounting threat to civil society. The increasing tensions in the south-east of the country are also very troubling. The ongoing hostilities in that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of the recent developments in respect of this bill. Ireland and its EU partners are engaged with the Egyptian authorities on an ongoing basis on issues concerning the status of civil society in Egypt. Ireland recognises the important contribution which civil society plays in strengthening dialogue between state institutions and citizens, both domestically and internationally. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Pension Provisions (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Injury Warrants are a series of statutory instruments, made under the Superannuation Act 1887, which provides benefits to or in respect of officers who, through no fault of their own, are killed or injured while performing their duties. These benefits comprise (a) annual allowances, (b) gratuities, (c) loss of earnings allowances and (d) refunds of certain expenses. We have had no such...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I have repeatedly made clear my view that the relentless expansion of illegal Israeli settlements is a major impediment to the achievement of peace in the Israeli-Arab conflict. The settlement process is not only illegal, but routinely involves dispossession and seizure of land, eviction of those already living there, and imposition of restrictions on the surrounding population. It is thus...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Reports (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Since the publication of the Working Outline of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights on 10 December 2015, my Department has engaged in extensive consultations to ensure that all relevant sectors of Irish society have had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Plan. Work is advancing on the Plan and I hope it will be finalised in the first quarter of 2017. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services Representations (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of the tragic death of the fish trader in Hoceima, and the protests the incident sparked. The role of our Honorary Consuls is primarily to provide consular services to Irish citizens resident in or visiting their consular area. They can also act as a focal point for the local Irish community and assist with trade promotion. The role of Honorary Consuls would not extend to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: A number of structural changes to the workings of Government have been required to ensure an effective whole-of-Government response to the challenges posed by the British decision to leave the European Union. In terms of my own Department, this has included the re-establishment of an EU Division, under the leadership of a Second Secretary-General. This Division manages overall...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Properties (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: My Department does not own any vacant sites, properties or land in the Dublin city council area.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Strategy (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Programme for Partnership Government agreed in May 2016 contains a commitment to develop a new cross-sectoral, whole-of-government Asia Pacific strategy, recognising the strengthening relationship between Ireland and many Asia Pacific countries. Last month the Government approved a proposal to commence work on this, as well as a new strategy for the Americas. These will form part of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North-South Ministerial Council (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Communiqué issued after the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Armagh on Friday 18 November 2016 reflects the key points of discussion and the priorities of the Irish Government articulated at that meeting. A key objective of the Government for the NSMC plenary meeting was to demonstrate that we continue to give priority attention to the Northern...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Government is committed to ensuring that the long-standing and warm relationship between Ireland and the US continues and develops. Successive US Administrations – both Democrat and Republican - have provided vital support to the peace process, including through the appointment of a US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. I am confident that the incoming US Administration will...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Agreements (22 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: As requested, I am providing the Deputy with an itemised list of all international treaties and conventions which the State has signed, but not ratified, in tabular form. The list has been prepared according to the information available to my Department and aims to be as comprehensive as possible. The purpose of the agreements is indicated by the title in most cases and further information...

Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (23 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland and its EU partners are committed to ending the suffering of the Syrian people. A political solution is required to address comprehensively the humanitarian, human rights and refugee crises that are the consequences of the conflict. Ireland and the European Union remain committed to supporting the United Nations' efforts to achieve an end to violence, the formation of an inclusive...

Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (23 Nov 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy raises an important issue in so far as Turkey is concerned. The European Union and its member states, including Ireland, are keeping the situation in Turkey under close review in the light of negative trends in that country. As a candidate country for membership of the European Union, I expect, as do my international colleagues, Turkey to adhere to essential democratic norms and...