Results 181-200 of 45,231 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Neutrality (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: High-level political engagement with the US administration continues to be a priority for the Government and many topics of interest are raised in bilateral meetings. However, there has been no contact from the US administration or the White House at a political level with me or my Department on the question of the Triple Lock.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Bodies (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice delivered an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The Court’s principal conclusion was that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory was unlawful and that it must be brought to an...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The situation in Israel and Palestine is a priority for this Government. The immediate focus of the international community must be on bringing hostilities to an immediate end and for all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. I condemn the resumed Israeli airstrikes and ground operation in Gaza, which have brought...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The re-scheduled Presidential elections in Romania will take place later this year, with the first round to be held on Sunday, 4 May 2025, and the second round to be held two weeks later on Sunday, 18 May 2025. The results of the first round of the original Romanian Presidential election, held on 24 November 2024, were annulled by Romania’s Constitutional Court on 6 December, following...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Ireland strongly advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ people throughout the world, including in our relations with Hungary. Ireland has consistently raised our concerns in relation to serious Rule of Law backsliding and the targeting of civil society and minority rights in Hungary, including in direct contacts with our Hungarian interlocutors. We also regularly...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Ireland's commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against ongoing Russian aggression remains steadfast. We have consistently reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s independence, and the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity outlined in the UN Charter. Ireland’s total committed support to Ukraine since the launch of the full-scale invasion...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The development and implementation of initiatives that encourage connectivity and engagement with the European Union, particularly for school students, is clearly of significant value. Such initiatives provide students with unique opportunities for personal and academic development while creating greater awareness and understanding of the EU and Ireland's role in it. These initiative also...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Anti-Racism Measures (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: The decision to endorse the non-legally binding IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism followed detailed consideration over a number of years within the Department of Foreign Affairs and consultation with relevant Government Departments. All relevant information was taken into account in making this decision, including voices critical of the definition. We have viewed with concern,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Relations (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Since taking office, I have met and spoken with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a number of occasions, and we have established a very cordial and productive working relationship. Officials from my Department are also in ongoing contact with officials in the NIO and in the Northern Ireland Executive, and we have a number of channels of communication for discussing any...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: I am very concerned by recent developments in Türkiye, including the arrest and detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, along with other public figures, members of the press and civil society representatives. Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have raised these concerns directly with senior Turkish officials. As a member of the Council of Europe, and an EU...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has changed the European security environment dramatically. Considered analysis of existing threats by our European partners is based not only on the experience of Ukraine in Europe, but of recent hybrid attacks on EU countries. These include attacks on critical infrastructure like transport and energy, cyberattacks and electoral interference. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is only provided where the strict conditions set out by my Department are fully met, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Policies (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Ireland is fully committed to preserving outer space as a safe and secure global commons for the use and benefit of all. Ireland will continue to advocate for global norms and rules governing human activity in space, in accordance with international space law. Ireland remains committed to the 1967 UN Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Data (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution states that “No title of nobility or of honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government.” The reference to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together. I propose to take PQ 15071/25 and PQ 15077/25 together. All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the 2008 Act”). Under Section 14(1) of the Act, the consent of a child’s guardian(s) must be given before the Passport Service can issue them a passport. Under Irish law,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Travel (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Last month, I visited the iconic Irish American cities of Philadelphia and New York. I was delighted to join Mayor Cherelle Parker and the people of Philadelphia to march in their St Patrick's day parade. I met with a number of community groups and laid a wreath at the Philadelphia Irish Famine memorial. I had high-level discussions with members of Congress from Pennsylvania, including...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Membership of the United Nations is at the heart of Ireland's foreign policy. Last month in New York I had the opportunity to meet with Irish representatives at the UN. I thanked them for the important work they are doing, often in an challenging environment. I reiterated our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing illegal aggression. I also took the opportunity to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, the response of the European Union has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. I am committed to working with my EU partners in the period ahead to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself. This remains a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (1 Apr 2025)

Simon Harris: I welcome the commitment of the United States to support the achievement of peace in Ukraine. The support of the US since the start of Russia's illegal, full-scale invasion and war of aggression has been instrumental to Ukraine’s defence. Our response has been characterised by strong transatlantic cooperation, including with regard to holding Russia accountable. I recently spoke with...