Results 6,481-6,500 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Information and Communications Technology (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: One of the key areas where the Eircode address database benefits the work of my Department is the Passport Service which has upgraded its processes to allow for the capture and use of Eircodes. Since 2015, modified passport application forms have been introduced which include an Eircode field in the address section. The Department continues to review systems to assess how we can support the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Funding (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: My Department does not administer any EU funding. As part of the Government’s preparation for the EU-UK negotiations, the question of whether there is any scope under existing EU policies and funding programmes to mitigate the effects of Brexit is being examined.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I last spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu when I met him on my visit to the region in June 2016. I have reported in detail to this House on that visit.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 336 together. The Good Friday Agreement is the indispensable foundation for all Government engagement on Northern Ireland. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is determined that all aspects of the Agreement are fully respected in the context of the Brexit process. The Government’s priority is to ensure that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The agenda for the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council is decided by the High Representative. The Middle East Peace Process was discussed at the January and February Councils. It is expected that it will be discussed again in March. While the specific focus of the discussion has not been determined, it is anticipated that it will encompass recent worrying developments, including...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have not personally been in contact with the Foreign Minister of Mexico in recent months, but I can assure you that my Department and representatives at the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, in particular our Ambassador to Mexico, Ms. Sonja Hyland, regularly interact with our Mexican counterparts, and will continue to engage positively on areas of mutual interest between our two countries. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 339, 341 and 345 together. With regard to the Executive Order signed by President Trump on 27 January, 2017, I made clear in my statement on 29 January last that, while US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities, it is clear that the recent decision could have far-reaching implications – both on humanitarian grounds and on relations...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Protecting the peace process and Northern Ireland is one of the Government’s four headline priorities in dealing with the UK decision to leave the European Union. The Government has made clear that we will be working for special arrangements which take account of Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances. Our priority is to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement and the overall...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Travel (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As the programme of Ministerial travel for St. Patrick’s Day is currently being finalised it is not possible to indicate if a Minister will be visiting Russia.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Agreements (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The core intention of the EU-Turkey Statement agreed between EU leaders and Turkey last March was to break the business model of the people smugglers profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable and to discourage migrants from risking their lives in dangerous sea journeys. The need for the Statement to comply with EU and international law was a key concern for all EU Member States,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (21 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As part of normal ongoing contacts with the British government and with devolved administrations in the UK, I and my officials speak on a regular basis with the Scottish government and its representatives. We also meet through the means of the British Irish Council, where the UK’s exit from the European Union is discussed at its summit meetings and where the Scottish government is a...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Passport Applications (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As the Deputy will be aware, last year just over 730,000 passports were issued. This represented an increase of over 9% on the year before and demand continues to be very strong so far this year. Notwithstanding these pressures, renewal applications submitted through Passport Express continue to be processed within the 15 working day target. Some categories, however, such as first-time...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Passport Applications (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy will be aware that the need for additional resources is kept under constant review. I agree that during recent years we have employed hundreds of temporary officers to assist the office, particularly during the summer months. They are a ready resource of experienced people who will work side by side with the permanent staff. However, I would remind the Deputy and the public that...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Passport Applications (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: A total of 230 extra temporary staff are being employed. More than half this figure are already in office and all will be in place in the coming weeks. I expect online renewal to be introduced in the next couple of months. In the meantime, the An Post passport express channel will remain fully functional. This is an important service for An Post, especially in respect of the work and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Good Friday Agreement (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: A number of elements of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement have not yet been fully implemented, including the element relating to the Irish language Act. The Government's firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement and the successor agreements must be implemented in full. This is reflected in the current programme for partnership Government. Respect for...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Good Friday Agreement (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I reject the comments that are disrespectful of the Irish language and that are, furthermore, inconsistent with the principles of the Good Friday Agreement. However, I welcome the subsequent comments and the clarification from the DUP leader to the effect that those who want to speak the Irish language are entitled to do so. We must move forward, therefore, on the basis of mutual respect...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Good Friday Agreement (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the leader of the DUP are fully aware of my views, my concerns and concerns across Government on this issue. We will continue to support the Irish language on an all-island basis, including through financial support for the ongoing work and development on the part of Foras na Gaeilge. The Government will also continue to engage fully and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Good Friday Agreement (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is determined that all aspects of the Agreement are fully respected through the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and thereafter. Our priority is to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement and the overall balance of the settlement is not in any way disturbed by the UK’s exit from the European...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Good Friday Agreement (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Good Friday Agreement clearly envisages a bill of rights in Northern Ireland and I support the Good Friday Agreement in its entirety. With regard to the peace process, the Deputy will be aware that the Stormont House Agreement provides for regular review meetings with the participation of the Irish Government, the British Government and the Executive party leaders. At the last two...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Good Friday Agreement (22 Feb 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I do.