Results 6,101-6,120 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 139 together. I am deeply concerned by the deteriorating democratic and human rights situation in Nicaragua, in particular the ongoing repression of opposition politicians, members of the media, human rights defenders and civil society representatives. I am alarmed at the recent arrest and detention of a number of potential Presidential...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: On 26 May Dáil Éireann adopted a motion which declared that the scale, pace and nature of Israel’s settlement policy in occupied Palestinian territory amounts to unlawful de facto annexation.  Ireland’s long-standing opposition to settlements is well known by the Israeli Government. Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to settlement expansion...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ireland is almost six months into our two-year term as a member of the UN Security Council. The work of Ireland’s Permanent Mission in New York is at the core of our engagement across the Council agenda. As co-penholder for Syria Humanitarian issues, Ireland is working closely with Norway to secure the renewal of the mandate for cross-border delivery of humanitarian assistance to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: I wish to acknowledge the Deputy's question and refer to my earlier reply to his Parliamentary Question of 21 April 2021 (PQ reference 20851/21) which outlines the overall and unchanged position in this regard.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 150 together. The concept of an independent consultative forum was first established under Strand One of the Good Friday Agreement, as a consultative mechanism on social, economic and cultural issues. It was envisaged to comprise of representatives of the business, trade union, voluntary sectors and such other sectors as provided for by the First...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: The New Decade, New Approach Agreement (NDNA) reached in January 2020 was a very significant shared achievement by the parties in Northern Ireland together with the British and Irish Governments, in restoring the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement to operation. As outlined in the Programme for Government, its full implementation is an important priority for the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Strengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Governmentas wellin our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025). Ireland has always maintained close relations with the US and will continue to do so, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic Missions across the US and through the US Embassy in Dublin. This...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: With regards to the human rights report referenced in the Question, I would like to express my serious concern at the reported violence. I trust that the Colombian authorities will fully investigate and bring those responsible for abuses or human rights violations, be they members of the security forces or other individuals, to justice.  I note the recent statement by the UN High...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Respect for human rights law, International Humanitarian Law, and the rule of law is central to building sustainable peace. Ireland is actively promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in our engagement across the Security Council agenda. This includes country situations addressed by the Council, many of which involve serious human rights issues. I will mention just some of these...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: British-Irish Co-operation (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Alongside the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, I attended the 35th British Irish Council Summit on Friday 11 June, hosted in Enniskillen by then First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill. The Summit was attended by the Northern Ireland Executive and all other member administrations, with some representatives attending virtually, including the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: The issue of Irish immigration to the US has been a high priority for successive Governments and continues to be one of my key priorities. In particular, this includes addressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the US and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people who wish to live and work in the US. We have continued to raise these matters in our engagement with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ireland, along with our EU partners, remains deeply concerned about the treatment of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the province of Xinjiang, including in relation to reports of systemic abuse, torture, arbitrary detention, forced labour, forced sterilisations, and restrictions on freedom of religion and belief.  I raised our concerns regarding this situation with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Racism in Sport (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: I note Prime Minister Orbán’s comments objecting to the decision by Ireland’s players at the 8 June Hungary-Ireland friendly soccer match to take the knee as part of an anti-racism campaign, and suggesting it was a provocation. I strongly support and pay tribute to the stand taken by Irish footballers and players of other nationalities to address racism in their sport and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was negotiated and agreed by the EU and the UK to address the complex set of challenges presented by Brexit on the island of Ireland. An integral part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, the Protocol is the agreed way to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement, to avoid a hard border, and protect the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has a positive and wide ranging relationship with China, which covers political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people links. 2019 marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and China, with the past decade seeing a significant ramp up in engagement between both countries. A Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Co-operation was signed in 2012...