Results 581-600 of 47,563 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. I am deeply concerned by the rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. It is vital all parties work to de-escalate the situation. We strongly support international efforts to mediate a resolution between Israel and Hezbollah. Since October, I have raised my concerns and the need for urgent de-escalation on several occasions...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: On citizens, our advice is clear that people should leave Lebanon. There is an ongoing danger of significant escalation. An estimated 100 Irish citizens and dependants remain in Lebanon, many of whom are long-term residents and, as I said, do not plan to leave unless the situation deteriorates significantly. If it does deteriorate significantly, in essence if there is a war between...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I have no updates on the procurement of that aeroplane, which is on schedule as far as I know, given that I have heard nothing to the contrary. Again, because of the nature of Lebanon and of any attack that could take place if a war happened, it seems the air option would be very limited because of the dangers and so on. The best advice, therefore, that we can give to citizens is to leave...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: International Bodies (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: As the first permanent international court with the power to prosecute international crimes, the ICC has a crucial role to play globally in fighting impunity for atrocity crimes. The court provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of these crimes. In this way, it promotes and upholds the international rule of law and contributes to the cause of international peace and...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I have repeatedly condemned the bombardment of Gaza. We in Ireland have taken a number of steps to move towards a political pathway and a ceasefire. We have worked with the Arab partners like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Qatar and others to try to develop a peace process and a proper peace initiative. They have published that. We have engaged with them and also...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has been steadfast in supporting the courts and upholding their jurisdiction.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Passport Services (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for acknowledging the performance of the Passport Office and the passport service. The passport service has issued more than 625,000 passports this year. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times with the majority of adult online renewal applications issuing within two working days. There currently...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Passport Services (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: We keep the whole service under constant review. The passport service is in third place in the Henley global passport index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries. We are up there as one of the best passport services in the world. We ran a multimedia campaign again this year reminding citizens to apply for their passports on time and online. The successful...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: President von der Leyen did not give a green light to genocide. The Deputy needs to reflect on those assertions.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: When I say that the European Parliament elections should be respected and reflected in the composition of the senior positions, the bottom line is that the European People's Party, EPP, was returned as the largest single political group, followed by the socialist group and the liberal group. Just as in the aftermath of a Dáil election, parties get together and make decisions. That is...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: As we approach the tenth month of the conflict in Gaza, the utmost priority remains the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. I welcome the three-phase ceasefire plan outlined by President Biden at the beginning of this month. This has since been endorsed by the UN Security Council in UN Security...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: There is no doubt that there have been breaches of international humanitarian law and it continues on a systemic basis by Israel and by Hamas. I note the Deputy has not called out Hamas in his comments. I think he should do so because it could also lay down arms right now and contribute very significantly to a ceasefire. It could release the hostages. We need to be equally strong in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. At the informal European Council meeting on 17 June, leaders reflected on the outcome of the European Parliament elections and focused on the new EU institutional cycle, which included the position of President of the European Commission. There was an acknowledgement that the outcome of the European elections should be respected and reflected in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: European Union (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: First, I acknowledge the Deputy's acknowledgement of President von der Leyen's role in Brexit. It should not be understated. I believe the Deputy's party was very supportive of President von der Leyen at the time in respect of the role of the Commission with regard to Brexit and its impact on Ireland, and, indeed, on Northern Ireland in particular and all of the issues relating to the Good...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I welcome the adoption of European Union sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, adopted on 19 March 2024. I also welcome that the EU has adopted sanctions against Hamas for sexual and gender-based violence committed on 7 October. Ireland has continued to push for further sanctions against violent West Bank settlers at an EU level. Following Ireland's advocacy, it is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: The Passport Service is in a strong position to deal with the current volume of applications during the busy summer season. As I mentioned earlier, over 625,000 passports have been issued to date. Passport turnaround times are: • 10 working days for simple adult online renewals • 15 working days for complex or child online renewals • 20 working days for first time...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 28 together. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the British and Irish Governments have a shared duty to deliver on the vision and commitments of the Agreement that provide the overarching framework for deepening peace, political stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Effectively addressing the painful legacy of the Troubles has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: In February 2024, the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The issue was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 18 March and by the Taoiseach in a meeting with President...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 29 together. Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine on 28 May was a very significant moment in the long-standing bilateral relationship between Ireland and Palestine. Ireland’s support for the Palestinian people is underpinned by several pillars of our international engagement. This includes our active advocacy and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (27 Jun 2024)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 35 and 44 together. On 24 June, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, where Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine was a key focus of discussion. As is now common practice, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, joined us by VC at the beginning of the discussion. I greatly value this regular opportunity to hear...