Results 5,741-5,760 of 18,449 for speaker:Brendan Smith
- Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Other Questions: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister for his detailed reply and I welcome his strong statements. I do not for one second doubt the Minister's absolute commitment and hard work in this area. I sincerely hope that work will continue into the future. The Minister basically outlined again what we discussed at our meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence last week and we will...
- Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Other Questions: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister. The Tory manifesto put before the electorate contains a rather vague commitment with respect to the Northern Ireland position. It states: "As we leave the European Union, we recognise Northern Ireland's unique circumstances and will seek to ensure that Northern Ireland's interests are protected." The phrase "will seek to" does not reassure any of us, and I am sure it...
- Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Other Questions: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: 51. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and at European Union level in relation to ensuring that there will be no return to the Border of the past following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25601/17]
- Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Other Questions: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: 60. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had to date with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and at European Union level in relation to ensuring that cross-Border travel is fully maintained following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25602/17]
- Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Other Questions: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement there has been enormous progress on this island which has been particularly beneficial for Border communities. The people whom I have the privilege of representing in two of the southern Ulster counties will not countenance a return to the imposition of the restrictions we had in the past on the movement of people, goods or services. Has the...
- Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (30 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: 331. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that the need for the British Government to release the papers and files pertaining to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974 is a priority issue in discussions that will be held at Government level following the British general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25668/17]
- Written Answers — Department of Health: Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage (30 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: 477. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to have asthma medication included in the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25753/17]
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Business of Joint Committee (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: his morning we will have a discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to whom I extend a warm welcome. I also welcome the departmental officials who are in attendance. Today's meeting gives members of the committee an opportunity to hear the Minister's report on matters considered at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings and other matters relating to...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: EU Foreign Affairs Council (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister. With regard to his remarks about the atrocity in Manchester earlier in this week, at a meeting of the select committee earlier, on behalf of the committee I recorded our abhorrence of the barbarous act and heinous crime committed on innocent people going about their evening's enjoyment. I understand the Minister has another engagement that he has to attend at 11.30...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: EU Foreign Affairs Council (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: Deputy, I do not know if that matter arose at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. I would ask the Deputy to stick to the agenda-----
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: EU Foreign Affairs Council (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: The next group comprises Deputy Crowe, Senator Bacik, Deputy McLoughlin and Senator Lawless.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: EU Foreign Affairs Council (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: Before I ask the Minister to conclude, I will refer to a few issues that he mentioned regarding the migration crisis. Unfortunately again, there was the loss of 30 lives in the Mediterranean yesterday. I understand that they were mainly toddlers. It shows the gravity of the situation of this ongoing humanitarian crisis. Senator Bacik referred to Mr. John Ging's presentation to the...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: EU Foreign Affairs Council (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister for his presentation here today and for dealing with a variety of questions covering many subjects. With regard to a specific meeting on Brexit, we would be glad to take up that offer. The clerk to the committee will contact the Minister's officials regarding a suitable time.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: EU Foreign Affairs Council (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I propose the committee now go into private session. Is that agreed? Agreed.
- Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: International Trade Agreements: Motion (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: Before proceeding to the business of the meeting, I remind members and those in the Gallery that mobile phones should be switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as, even in silent mode, they cause interference with recording equipment in these committee rooms. The select committee meeting is being broadcast on the Oireachtas television channel and the Internet. The purpose...
- Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: International Trade Agreements: Motion (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister. It is an agreement that is welcome. These types of agreements are important for smaller EU member states such as ours, particularly in terms of locations where Ireland does not have an embassy. I understand the European Parliament passed a resolution earlier this year calling for a full EU delegation to Mongolia. Has that been agreed at Commission level or is it...
- Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: International Trade Agreements: Motion (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister.
- Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: International Trade Agreements: Motion (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: Deputy Barrett could share his expertise on the equine and bloodstock industries any day.
- Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: International Trade Agreements: Motion (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: That will have to be negotiated. The Minister made reference to the human rights dialogue. I note that in the February 2017 resolution of the European Parliament regarding the agreement, among the many issues outlined was the absolute need to eliminate discrimination against women and to eradicate all forms of child labour. Huge concern was also expressed with regard to human trafficking....
- Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: International Trade Agreements: Motion (25 May 2017)
Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister for engaging so constructively with the committee on this important subject. The select committee has now completed its consideration of the motion and in accordance with the Order of 9 May 2017 and Standing Order 90, a message to that effect will now be sent to the Clerk of the Dáil.