Results 9,921-9,933 of 9,933 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Post-European Council: Statements (9 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: The final decisions have not been taken as to where the locations will be.

Post-European Council: Statements (9 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: There are not many places in the country that have the capacity to hold such an event. I have no doubt that whatever decisions are taken, there will be some events in Kerry, and I certainly hope there will be some in Tipperary and Meath.

Post-European Council: Statements (9 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: I do not know the answer about the one in Bogotá, but we were to be heavily involved in the one France and Saudi Arabia were organising in the UN. In fact, the Taoiseach was asked to chair one of the working groups. What Ireland has done in support of the two-state solution goes back to Brian Lenihan as Minister. We think of all the great Irish foreign Ministers. Even in the...

Post-European Council: Statements (9 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: On the simplification agenda, there is an agenda on reporting requirements that we support. What is happening at European Commission level is that every part of the Commission is coming forward with simplification proposals that have to get discussed in the European Parliament and at the Council of Ministers. The idea is to cut red tape, not to reduce our human rights compliance or...

Post-European Council: Statements (9 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: The work of the Gates Foundation is very important. I know the Taoiseach recently addressed the summit in Brussels and spoke to Bill Gates. We are aligned with the work that needs to be done around the world to ensure people have better lives and outcomes. We have had a range of statements and questions and there were some other items on the European Council agenda, including Moldova,...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Foreign Policy (10 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: Today.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Meetings (10 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: On 25 June, I met the EU Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, in Brussels. The meeting was an important opportunity to set out Ireland’s preliminary views on the post-2027 multi-annual financial framework, MFF, in advance of the proposal of the Commission being published next Wednesday. During this meeting, I called on the Commissioner to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Meetings (10 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: It is important to briefly set out the process. The Commission will publish the proposal next Wednesday. Ultimately, it is a matter for the leaders to agree this, in conjunction with the European Parliament. Over the next year and A half, starting on 18 July, governments will discuss the Commission's proposal and, in effect, negotiate it. Next Wednesday's proposal should be seen as the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Meetings (10 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: During the Presidency Ireland will, in effect, be in charge of the negotiations. We will have to act as an honest broker. It is important that between now and then we get our spoke out, so to speak. That is why met Commissioner Serafin at a very early point and immediately after that meeting I met all of our MEPs, all of whom were invited to be briefed on our position. I am more than...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Disability and Equality: Disability Services (8 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: 729. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of respite services in County Meath available for adults aged 18, with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities; and if there are plans to increase respite services in County Meath. [37355/25]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (10 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: On 25 June, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, addressed the Centre for European Policy Studies think-tank in Brussels at an event entitled "Securing the Union: enlargement and the defence of Europe from the Irish perspective". This was an important opportunity to engage with a Brussels-based audience on Ireland's priorities in enlargement and European...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Bodies (10 Jul 2025)

Thomas Byrne: The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne attended the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 24 June 2025. Ministers commenced the Council meeting by preparing the agenda of the European Council, which took place in Brussels on 26 June. The agenda for this meeting included Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness, the EU's...