Results 8,301-8,320 of 9,844 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: I am not in a position to speak to the ICS but I will get Deputy Brady an answer on the trade agreement. That trade agreement is in force and I have not heard of any difficulties with it or of any corporations being able to change Irish laws because of that. It has unquestionably been good that we have had increased free trade with Singapore. Maybe when we are discussing the possibilities...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: Let me give the example of the partnership co-operation agreement with the Philippines with which we have some human rights concerns. There is a sub-committee on human rights there that we can deal with. There is also a joint committee, although it is not identical to the UK-EU joint committee, but there is a similar arrangement there between both sides where all of these issues can be...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: That is a matter for the Dáil.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: In general, referring items to committee, and the clerk to the committee can correct me, is just for the convenience of the Dáil that will, ultimately, decide this. Technically, the Dáil could have a debate on this matter but there would not be enough time. The Dáil refers these matters to a committee and I am happy to talk at any committee. Issues such as Singapore and...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: There was a partnership and co-operation agreement with Brunei but that was suspended due to the imposition of Sharia law. I give that as one example of where we said "No". In addition, one could not discuss those issues and it was time to go. We hope to have agreements with Malaysia and Thailand as well. The agreement with the Philippines is a good example. The agreement was signed in...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: I thank Deputies for their engagement. As I understand it, there is no particular issue about member states ratifying it and this has not arisen as a huge political issue around European capitals. For example, CETA has arisen as a big political issue, I would say, in a minority of EU states and, although there were obviously strong voices in the European Parliament, it has not always been...

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: We share many of the concerns raised today and they will continue to be raised by our diplomats and the European Union in the context of this agreement but more generally as well.

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: I said I am in the hands of the Dáil. The motion is passed in the Dáil and we just come to do whatever we are asked to do.

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: I was on "Six-One" yesterday saying that. I made that exact point.

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: He did.

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: I thank Deputies for their statements. The agenda for this week's meeting of the European Council was discussed yesterday in Luxemburg at the General Affairs Council, GAC, which I attended. The Taoiseach has outlined his expectations for the European Council's discussions, as Members have also reflected, on Covid-19, digital, energy prices, trade and migration. Deputies should make no...

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: Yes. However, the issue of anti-Semitism is very serious at the moment. We must remember the Holocaust, learn lessons from it and have it constantly in our memories and on our minds. We must constantly be on guard so that nothing like it can ever happen again. We cannot mix anti-Semitism into a discussion about the situation on the ground in Israel and Palestine. Ireland has been a...

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: -----existing side-by-side in peace and security. That view reflects the mainstream of global opinion.

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: It is the mainstream of European left-wing opinion too. Some left-wing politicians in this House are completely out of the mainstream. We have to be constantly on our guard about anti-Semitism. It is so dangerous. Issues are being raised at a global level about comments made in this House about Israel.

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: Mixing the issue of anti-Semitism with day-to-day politics is dangerous.

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: This is something that we must be clear and have a full stop on. We have a proud record in this country of our dealings as an honest broker in the Israel-Palestine situation in support of a peaceful solution that protects all of the people of that region.

Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: The European Council will take stock of preparations for the November Asia-Europe summit, the Eastern Partnership summit, the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow and the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP15. The European Council will discuss preparations for the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting, ASEM, on 25 and 26 November. This biannual summit will bring together...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: European Union Issues: Discussion (20 Oct 2021)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus le baill an choiste uilig as an gcuireadh seo theacht os a gcomhair. Ar dtús, rachaidh mé i ngleic le prótacal Thuaisceart Éireann. First, I will update the committee on the Northern Ireland protocol. Last week, the European Commission delivered on its promise to people and businesses in Northern Ireland to address their...