Results 6,141-6,160 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

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

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together. The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent agreements is an utmost priority for this Government.  The Government regularly engages with and supports the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland through the mechanisms provided for the Good Friday Agreement, The North...

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

Simon Coveney: The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent agreements is an utmost priority for this Government.  The devolved institutions of the Agreement are essential so that the Assembly and power-sharing Executive can represent the interests of all of the people of Northern Ireland and address issues of concern. The New Decade, New...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 280 together. The Withdrawal Agreement and its Protocols, including the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, together with the Trade and co-operation Agreement have established a wide-ranging framework to underpin and support EU-UK relations. The governance structure of both of these agreements includes a range of committees, working groups,...

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

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach and I continue to engage with all the parties in Northern Ireland, including the DUP and UUP.  We have of course seen some dramatic political developments over the last few days in Northern Ireland.  I wish Edwin Poots well on a personal level following his announcement that he has stepped down as party leader, and I have congratulated Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as the new...

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

Simon Coveney: The New Decade, New Approach agreement reached in January 2020 was a very significant shared achievement by the parties in Northern Ireland together with the two 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 Government. The Irish...

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

Simon Coveney: The Northern Ireland Coroner’s statement on 11 May was a very significant and detailed one, and its main findings are extremely important and clear; all ten of those killed in these events in August 1971 were found to be entirely innocent. This is a complete vindication of the determined and tireless campaign by the families on behalf of their loved ones.  The Government has...

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

Simon Coveney: The Government is committed to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, which was collectively agreed by the two Governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland after extensive talks.  The framework of the Stormont House Agreement provided for a set of institutions to deal comprehensively and fairly with the legacy of the Troubles, and this framework...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Covid-19 Pandemic (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Current Danish travel restrictions classify all countries into three categories: yellow, orange and red. Ireland is currently categorised as 'orange' under this system. Those travelling from orange category countries can enter Denmark, irrespective of the purpose of their entry, with proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test. The test must be taken no more than 48 hours before the time of entry....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Passport service has been in direct contact with the person referred to in the Deputy's question. The Passport Service commenced the scaling up of operations on 4 May 2021 in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”. The Service has been focused since then on four priority areas. - Clearing the...

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

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 to 272, inclusive, together. Ireland is a strong contributor to European Union and United Nations efforts to eliminate human rights violations. This includes our work across the UN system, including at the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, and at the UN Human Rights Council. The rights of women and children are central to our engagement and...

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

Simon Coveney: The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and Ireland together with our international partners has been active in raising our concerns in relation to the situations in Hong Kong, in Myanmar and in other locations where human rights are under threat. Like our EU partners, Ireland is concerned about the adoption by the National...

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

Simon Coveney: The International Criminal Court, which is an independent international body with close links to the United Nations, was established as the first permanent international court to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute. Ireland is a party to the Rome Statute.  The Court promotes and...

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

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 291 together. At the outset, I refer the Deputy to my separate response to his question in relation to human trafficking (see PQ 34200/21).  In regards to unlawful detention, I regret that the trends are not positive. The detention of political opponents, demonstrators and journalists is a growing concern.  I, and my officials, regularly...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 to 278, inclusive, together. 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 on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Following the UK’s departure from the European Union and the end of the Transition period, we are working closely with our EU partners to support the development of the EU-UK relationship and full implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and Withdrawal Agreement.  At the same time, we are working to strengthen British-Irish relations insofar as possible,...

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

Simon Coveney: Conflict regrettably continues to be prevalent throughout the world, despite the call by the UN Secretary-General to all warring parties to pull back from hostilities during the current pandemic. Worldwide, conflict remains the primary driver of hunger and humanitarian crises. The number and complexity of these crises globally has increased in recent years but each conflict is unique in...

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

Simon Coveney: Ireland stands in solidarity with the Belarusian people in their dignified and staunch defence of their democratic and human rights. The international community have repeatedly expressed their strong concerns regarding the ongoing repression of the Belarusian people by the Lukashenko regime across a range of international fora. Along with our EU and like-minded international partners, we will...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Military Honours (24 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: The issue of awarding of Military Medals for Gallantry (MMG) and Distinguished Service Medals (DSMs) to personnel who served in Jadotville in September 1961 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years and a number of actions have taken place to give due recognition to the courage and bravery of all the members of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion who were...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Agreements (23 Jun 2021)

Simon Coveney: Following its sixth session in October 2020, the Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other enterprises with respect to human rights is continuing with its work. A third revised draft of the proposed legally binding instrument is due to be presented in July 2021. Once this draft is presented, it will be considered by all UN members, including EU...