Results 241-260 of 45,281 for speaker:Simon Harris

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...

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

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 243 together. The Government is committed to supporting free, fair and open trade. Our EU membership makes us part of the growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for exports and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and...

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

Simon Harris: Ireland’s Embassy in Rome, as our representative office in Italy, leads on Ireland’s political, trade, economic and people-to-people relations across Italy. Under the guidance of Ambassador Patricia O’Brien, the Embassy works to enhance the political and economic relationship between Ireland and Italy and to pursue opportunities to deliver economic growth and jobs;...

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

Simon Harris: In the current context, the situation in Israel and Palestine remains a standing agenda point on the Foreign Affairs Council enabling me and my officials to exchange with our EU partners on this key priority on a monthly basis. 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...

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

Simon Harris: My Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship. Foreign Birth Registration, by its nature, is a detailed and complex process, often involving...

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

Simon Harris: The number of staff serving at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union as of 1st January for each of the years 2021 to 2025 is set out below in tabular form. The rise in the numbers serving from 2025 reflects preparations for the 2026 Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Vacancies in the Permanent Representation are kept to a minimum duration....

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

Simon Harris: I am aware of a number of arrests that were made by authorities in the province of Balochistan, in south-west Pakistan, in recent days and of the ongoing unrest in this region which has witnessed violent insurgencies and political and ethnic conflict in recent years. Ireland, through our Embassy in Islamabad, continues to monitor closely developments in the region and has engaged with...

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

Simon Harris: I am very concerned by recent events in Türkiye, including the arrest and detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, along with many members of the press and civil society representatives. Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have in recent days raised these concerns directly at senior levels in Türkiye. We have emphasised the need for the Government of...

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

Simon Harris: I am deeply concerned by the negative trajectory of the situation on the ground in Palestine, Lebanon and Israel over recent weeks. This remains a central focus of Ireland’s foreign policy and my engagement with my EU and international counterparts. Regarding the situation in Gaza, the immediate focus of the international community must be on bringing hostilities to an immediate...

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

Simon Harris: At the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, I attended and opened an event hosted by Save the Children in my capacity as Taoiseach. The event was addressed by a number of children from Gaza, who shared shocking and heart-breaking stories of the situation on the ground. I can assure the Deputy that the plight of children in Gaza and across Palestine remains a key priority...

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

Simon Harris: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides assistance to Irish citizens overseas in line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter. Through our Embassies in the region, my Department is in contact with many of the humanitarian and medical workers in Gaza. In most cases, their parent organisation provides arrangements for their security and rotation from Gaza....