Results 2,741-2,760 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate President-elect of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, and Vice-President elect Francia Marquez, on their historic victory in the Colombian presidential elections last Sunday 19 June.  I look forward to continuing the excellent relationship that Ireland and Colombia have built together over many years. Supporting the implementation of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of High Commissioner Bachelet’s visit to China. Ireland had repeatedly called for this visit to proceed and for full, meaningful, and unfettered access for the High Commissioner and her team.  On 13 June 2022, the High Commissioner briefed the Human Rights Council in Geneva on her engagements in China, including with government representatives.  I regret that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Council of Europe (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I assumed the chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in Turin on 20 May. It is the seventh time Ireland has held the Presidency and, in light of the war in Ukraine, a particularly important occasion to be at the helm of our continent’s leading human rights body. The Council of Europe was the first multilateral organisation to expel the Russian Federation,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: The EU has imposed the most significant sanctions in its history in response to the situation in Ukraine. These have taken the form of six packages from 23 February 2022 to date, comprising individual measures targeting persons and entities, and sectoral measures targeting specific economic sectors or industries. Individual sanctions now apply to a total of 1,158 individuals and 98...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 155 together. The Passport Service is already outperforming any previous year, despite the challenges that it has encountered over the past two years. The Passport Service continues to outperform its previous busiest year, 2019, by over 20%. Over 623,000 passports have been issued to date in 2022. This is 105,000 more passports than were issued...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I refer the Deputy to Question 27542/22 on the Government’s response to the proposed demolitions at Masafer Yatta. I am deeply concerned by the decision of the Israeli High Court to uphold the eviction order for Palestinians in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank and the confirmation of the designation of the land as a firing zone for the Israeli military. I note the recent injunction at...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 164 together. The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was designed and agreed by the UK and EU to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions and to mitigate the inevitable disruption arising for the island of Ireland from Brexit.   I spoke last week to Foreign Secretary Truss and speak on an ongoing basis with Secretary of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as the first permanent international courts to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute.  By its very existence the Court not only promotes and upholds the rule of law but also provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of recent developments in Tunisia, where, in March, President Kais Saied took the decision to dissolve the Assembly of Representatives. This move follows a number of concerning events in Tunisia, which has been in a state of emergency since June 2021. Ireland is a strong supporter of democracy and the rule of law. We support and strongly urge the restoration of institutional...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: The response by the European Union to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination. It has encompassed political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support, as well as welcoming millions of Ukrainian refugees under the Temporary Protection Mechanism and the imposition of the most extensive package of sanctions, in response to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 153 and 158 together. Passport applicants can track the status of their passport application online via the Passport Tracker which is available on my Department's website - www.dfa.ie/passporttracking/. The information available on the tracker has recently been upgraded and is an excellent guide as to where an application is in the system. The online...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: In launching 'Global Ireland 2025', the Government committed to the most ambitious renewal and expansion of Ireland’s international presence ever undertaken. We committed to deepening our network of missions overseas by strengthening our presence in key existing locations, and opening new offices to enable us to leverage opportunities to grow trade and inward investment, to further...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 898 on 14 June 2022, I am aware of the cases to which the Deputy refers. Irish officials are closely monitoring this matter, in cooperation with our civil society partners on the ground. Both Ireland and the EU provide financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are active in bringing issues regarding the treatment of detainees to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Government nominates officers for Ambassadorial posts on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.  The nominated Ambassadors are subsequently appointed by the President and take up duty abroad following the receipt of agrément from the receiving State.  Only serving civil servants are considered for ambassadorial assignments. Civil Servants...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Travel (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: On 7 June 2022 I visited Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.  While there I met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Mr Pekka Haavisto. During our meeting, I discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in Europe, Ireland’s Presidency of the UN Security Council and the Northern Ireland Protocol.  ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Neutrality (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has a longstanding policy of military neutrality, meaning that we do not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. This policy, which has been implemented by successive governments, informs our active approach to peace support operations, crisis management, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. There are no plans to alter this policy at this time. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland is unequivocal in its stance against the death penalty and the abolition of capital punishment is one of Ireland’s international priorities. I am gravely concerned by the passing of death sentences on a number of those arrested for peaceful protest and support for democracy in Myanmar.  I understand that 114 people have been sentenced to death, primarily by...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has a strong relationship with Colombia across many areas. Our longstanding cooperation and lesson-sharing around peacebuilding has been very successful and is a key pillar of our relationship. As part of that relationship, Ireland takes a very active role in supporting human rights defenders, indigenous communities and civil society space in Colombia. We recognise that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: On 7 June 2022 I visited Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.  While there I met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Mr Pekka Haavisto. During our meeting, I discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in Europe, Ireland’s Presidency of the UN Security Council and the Northern Ireland Protocol.  ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (23 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: Providing ongoing support, along with finding long term solutions, to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US, remains a key priority for this Government. Immigration matters are raised in our high-level political engagements with the US at every opportunity, not least during the Taoiseach’s bilateral engagement with President Biden for St. Patrick’s...