Results 6,941-6,960 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Legal Proceedings (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The case to which the Deputy refers is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. As Ireland has no locus standi in this case, I do not plan to take any action on the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid Provision (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The scale of the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa is unprecedented. Drought continues to worsen in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, where 13 million people are facing crisis levels of food insecurity. Somalia continues to face a significant risk of famine, and famine has already been declared in parts of South Sudan. Ireland continues to prioritise this region in our humanitarian...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 96 and 99 together. I will respond to questions 68, 96 and 99 together. On his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the President of the United States signed a significant arms deal with the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia, like a number of other states in the region, is a party to the conflict in Yemen. The war has now entered its third year, at a considerable cost to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland is monitoring this situation via our Embassy in New Delhi and our Embassy in Ankara, which is accredited to Pakistan. Irish officials discuss India-Pakistan relations with their counterparts from those countries on a regular basis. The EU, including of course Ireland, continues to support the reconciliation process between India and Pakistan over Kashmir with a view to finding a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I refer the Deputy to my reply earlier to Priority Question 49. Thankfully the hunger strike has now ended. I would refer the Deputy also to the Topical Issues debate on 10 May, where I was able to address this matter in more detail.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 82 and 101 together. I propose taking Questions 71, 82 and 101 together. 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...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Since the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Executive in the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010, prison policy has been a devolved matter. An executive agency of the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, has operational responsibility for prisons, while the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland retains certain responsibilities...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Prisoners Abroad (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and very substantial resources and time are being devoted to it. The Government has been doing everything possible to secure this citizen’s release. We have supported petitions for him to be returned to Ireland under Egyptian Law 140; we have appealed for him to be released under the Egyptian President’s...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am concerned at the deteriorating situation in Venezuela, and in particular the reported deaths of at least 56 people in clashes between security forces and opposition demonstrators. Despite having the world’s largest proven petroleum reserves, Venezuela’s population faces a shortage of food and medicines. While there have been long-running demonstrations against President...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: On 2 May, the Government published a comprehensive document, setting out in detail its approach to the forthcoming negotiations on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This document was drafted with the Department of the Taoiseach and in consultation with all relevant Government Departments. The document reflects the findings and outcomes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Strategy (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have had discussions with Chinese counterparts regarding the Belt and Road initiative, notably with the Chinese Foreign Minister when he visited Ireland in May 2015. The Taoiseach also raised the initiative with the Chinese Premier, and other Government Ministers have held discussions with counterparts in relation to the issue. Furthermore, officials from my Department have engaged with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have consistently raised my concerns about recent negative developments in Turkey and called on the Turkish authorities to uphold core European values of democracy, human rights, respect for rule of law and freedom of expression, including media freedom, as well as the rights of minorities and other fundamental freedoms. Turkey was the main topic of discussion at the Gymnich on 28 April,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am continuing to consider, on an ongoing basis, if and when recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, in advance of its actual achievement on the ground, could play a helpful part in advancing a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There are many varied factors bearing on this question. They include the likely impact of such a move on the peace process, the possible...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Prisoners Abroad (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and very substantial resources and time are being devoted to it. The Government has been doing everything possible to secure this citizen’s release. We have supported petitions for him to be returned to Ireland under Egyptian Law 140; we have appealed for him to be released under the Egyptian President’s...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together. I have repeatedly voiced my serious concerns about the deteriorating situation in Turkey, including its impact on the lives of the Kurdish population. The increasing tensions in the south-east of the country are deeply troubling, and I am also gravely concerned at the mounting threat to civil society by breaches of human rights and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I most recently met with the European Parliament’s Brexit Coordinator, Guy Verhofstadt, in Brussels on 9 February. This meeting formed part of the Government’s continued programme of extensive engagement with EU partners to emphasise Ireland’s unique set of priorities with regard to Brexit. The meeting with Mr. Verhofstadt provided an opportunity to take stock on key...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am keenly aware of the deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain, which I have remarked on in this House several times of late. I have noted that this deterioration has particularly targeted those who express dissent or criticism of the Bahraini Government. Ireland attaches a high priority to safeguarding human rights defenders, and has continually advocated for freedom for civil...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Functions (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Established under the Good Friday Agreement, the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has played a key role in developing consultation, cooperation, and action on the island of Ireland on matters of mutual interest and within the competence of the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. My Department works closely with the Department of the Taoiseach in regard to NSMC matters and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The level of threats and attacks against human rights defenders in Colombia to date this year, as well as against members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is a matter of great concern. The situation is being closely monitored by officials in my Department and by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia. I reiterate that I unreservedly condemn any...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Commission on the Status of Women (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland has close economic ties with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia represents a significant market for Ireland. Total bilateral trade was worth approximately €1.96 billion in 2015, with the balance, €1.6 billion, greatly in Ireland’s favour. Total trade in goods in 2016 was worth €840,729, of which exports accounted for €821 million, with medical and...