Results 2,781-2,800 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

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

Simon Coveney: For both Ireland and the EU, ensuring peace and stability throughout the Western Balkans continues to be a priority. The war in Ukraine has provoked a significant geopolitical realignment and shown us that we need to deliver on the expectations of the Western Balkans countries, while also strengthening their commitment to European values as future EU Member States. In particular, closer...

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

Simon Coveney: Ireland is now in the second year of our term as an elected member of the UN Security Council. We have been actively engaged across the Council’s wide agenda since taking up our seat last year, and we are playing a constructive role in helping the Council fulfil its key role in the maintenance of international peace and security. We have brought our principled and independent...

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

Simon Coveney: Ireland’s strong and enduring commitment to effective multilateralism, particularly through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations, is central to our response to international acts of aggression and the complex drivers of conflict around the globe.  There are a number of international bodies which seek to hold States to account for their actions. ...

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

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy for his question and am pleased to refer him to my previous response to a closely related parliamentary question no 4181/22 (www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2022-01-27/231/?highl ight%5B0%5D=conflict) dated the 27th  of January 2022 which included information from the most recent annual report by the UN Secretary General. We look forward to shortly receiving the...

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

Simon Coveney: The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is the agreed EU-UK solution to mitigate the impact of Brexit across this island, to protect the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process as well as protecting the integrity of the EU’s single market. It remains a key part of the Withdrawal Agreement, under which the UK left the EU, and paved the way for the Trade and Cooperation Agreement...

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

Simon Coveney: As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is firmly committed to working  with the British government and with the parties in Northern Ireland in support of the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent implementing agreements. The gains of the peace process have been exceptional and it is our responsibility both to safeguard them, and to build...

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

Simon Coveney: Ireland is a strong contributor to European Union, Council of Europe and United Nations efforts to combat trafficking in persons.  This includes our work across the UN system, including at the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, and at the UN Human Rights Council. At the UN Security Council the issue of trafficking in persons is considered in the context of certain...

Seanad: Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill 2019: Second Stage (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I know we do not have a huge turnout for this legislation. It is important but I do not think it is controversial, which may explain why there is not a strong Opposition presence here. I am pleased to present this Bill to the House. While technical, it is important legislation. The principal purpose of this Bill is to provide for members of the Military Police to take and use DNA samples...

Seanad: Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill 2019: Second Stage (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Senators for being both helpful and co-operative. I have a long closing speech here but I am just going to answer their questions if I can. No offence to the people who put the words together; they are very useful.

Seanad: Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill 2019: Second Stage (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: Yes, absolutely. This legislation is technical. It is effectively ensuring investigations undertaken by the Military Police can be as comprehensive, using DNA samples in the way the Garda uses DNA samples in other criminal cases. It would be extraordinary if there were investigations taking place under military law that could lead to a court martial that could not use modern forms of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 72, 73, 74, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 99, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 114 and 116 together. With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the case raised. Ireland is opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and has made this clear in both bilateral contacts with the Saudi authorities, as well as appropriate international fora. I raised our opposition to the use of the death penalty directly with the Saudi Foreign Minister when I visited Riyadh in June 2021. Officials from my Department have...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 86 and 98 together. With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update as to the steps they must take to progress their passport application.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Correspondence (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I regret the delay in responding to the Deputy on this matter. An official from the Passport Service will contact the Deputy directly to ensure that no further delay is experienced.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Jun 2022)

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

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 87, 88, 89, 90, 96, 108, 117, 119 and 120 together. With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, these applications are within the current turnaround times and have not yet reached their issue by date.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the applicant and a full refund has been processed.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process, the large increase in applications received following the Brexit vote in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to necessary Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow approximately 2 years from the receipt of supporting documentation for processing of FBR applications at this time. Arising from Covid-19...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Jun 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 112 together. Ireland remains gravely concerned at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and recognises the need for a unified international response to ensure an end to the crisis. Ireland is actively engaged on Myanmar in our role as an elected member of the Security Council, including by calling on the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 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 military courts,...