Results 6,721-6,740 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Irish Prisoners Abroad (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: There are a number of direct channels between my Department and the Halawa family and also the lawyers and other interested parties that will be pursued. I am, however, very concerned at persistent reports that the citizen in question is not taking food and may be pursuing a hunger strike. I stress that such a course of action should not be pursued as it will only be damaging to his...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Dealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland is of primary importance to me, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, as it is to the Government. A Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, with specific reference to implementation of the all-party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I share the Deputy's concerns. It is a matter of regret to me that we have not made greater progress on this long-outstanding issue. I assure the Deputy that officials of the respective Governments are exploring possible ways forward that would be mutually acceptable. Exploratory discussions are under way and we will continue to actively engage with the British Government in order to seek...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I acknowledge what the Deputy has said and share her view regarding the victims' groups and in particular Justice for the Forgotten. I have had an opportunity to meet with representatives of that group on a number of occasions. I will continue to engage in discussions in Belfast with the Secretary of State and the political parties to ensure that we can achieve progress, not only on this...

Other Questions: Good Friday Agreement (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 53 and 64 together. 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 integrity of the settlement are not in...

Other Questions: Good Friday Agreement (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the House and the Deputy that the Government is a firm supporter of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, but the Good Friday Agreement predates that charter and does not expressly provide for it. That said, the charter provides an important and effective common reference on rights across the island of Ireland, as it does across the EU as a whole. I wish to refer again to the White...

Other Questions: Good Friday Agreement (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy makes a very important point. I assure him, and the House, that human rights provisions comprise a very important pillar of the Good Friday Agreement. It is essential, therefore, that human rights protections and frameworks in the Good Friday Agreement are not, in any way, adversely impacted upon or disturbed by any changes that might take place due to the withdrawal of the UK...

Other Questions: Passport Applications (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: There have been very significant increases in passport applications in recent years. A total of almost 750,000 applications was received in 2016. This was an increase of more than 9% over 2015. Between 1 January and 31 March this year, over 250,000 applications were received, which represented an increase of 26% over the same period last year. There are a number of factors behind these...

Other Questions: Passport Applications (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The introduction of the new online service is part of the ongoing programme of reform in the Passport Office. I acknowledge what the Deputy has said in respect of those working there. I too wish to acknowledge the efficiency and dedication of everybody associated with, and working in, the Passport Office. There are challenges, however, because we are dealing with unprecedented numbers. ...

Other Questions: Passport Applications (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: There are millions of Irish passport holders worldwide. I again acknowledge the challenges for the Passport Office in dealing with unprecedented numbers of applications. Over 733,000 passports were issued last year for Irish citizens. I encourage Irish citizens to check the expiry dates on their passports and to bear in mind that many countries require incoming visitors to hold passports...

Other Questions: Irish Prisoners Abroad (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I assure Deputy Connolly that this consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and that very substantial resources and time are being devoted to it. This case has seen more high-level political engagement, time investment, consultation with third parties, consular visits and court hearing observation missions than any other in which the Irish Government has been involved....

Other Questions: Irish Prisoners Abroad (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am sure all Deputies will join me in saying that a hunger strike will serve no purpose. It will not assist in any way. The Irish citizen's health, as indicated in reports, is a matter of utmost concern for both myself and the Government. In light of our concerns, we took the unprecedented step of making arrangements for a medical visit. While his findings are confidential, I can confirm...

Other Questions: Irish Prisoners Abroad (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The medical visit took place the week before last. The report was immediately furnished and is being acted upon. I assure Deputy Connolly and the entire House that I will continue to urgently work on this case. My officials continue to work on it on a daily basis so that we maintain pressure on the Egyptian authorities to release our citizen, allow him return to his family and resume his...

Other Questions: Military Aircraft (12 Apr 2017)

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. Successive Ministers for Foreign Affairs have put in place strict conditions which must be satisfied before permission to overfly the territory of...

Other Questions: Military Aircraft (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Deputy alleges the existence of an agreement allowing the RAF to shoot down suspect aircraft in Irish sovereign airspace. I can confirm for the benefit of the House that no agreement has been entered into by the State to grant any permission to the RAF, or indeed the military aircraft of any other state, to shoot down planes of any type under any circumstances over Ireland.

Other Questions: Military Aircraft (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: My Department ensures that detailed and robust procedures are in place to ensure that all relevant parties are fully aware of the requirements relating to applications for permission for foreign military aircraft to land in this State.

Other Questions: Military Aircraft (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: There are no circumstances under which the RAF or any other air force takes over responsibility of the Irish Air Corps. The Government's engagement in international security co-operation is conducted clearly within the parameters of powers conferred in the Executive by the Constitution. I refer the Deputy to Article 16.6.1oof the Constitution vesting the right to raise and maintain military...

Other Questions: Northern Ireland (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 47 together. I am in regular and direct contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as part of the ongoing discussions to support the political parties in reaching an agreement on the formation of a new Executive in Northern Ireland. Both Governments are agreed on the imperative of continued devolved power sharing Government for Northern...

Other Questions: Northern Ireland (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I share Deputy Burton's concern. I agree with much of what she said and I wish to assure her and other Deputies that, as part of my engagement with the Secretary of State and with each of the parties in the matter of the discussions over recent weeks, I will continue to emphasise strongly the critical importance of forming a new Executive in Northern Ireland so the interests of the people of...

Other Questions: Northern Ireland (12 Apr 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Only yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet a cross-section of civil society leaders in Belfast. Last week, I met in excess of 15 heads of business corporations in Northern Ireland. I share the concern that has been raised by Deputy Burton but I remain convinced that all the parties are willing to play their part in reaching an agreement which will provide for a stable power-sharing...