Results 6,561-6,580 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 110 together. I have been clear in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a Two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ireland fully supports the principles agreed by the EU in 2016 to guide our interaction with Russia. In the long-term, a strong and stable relationship between the EU and Russia is a desirable strategic goal. Our relationship with Russia is a vital one, and we must keep diplomatic channels of dialogue open. Regrettably, Russia has chosen to isolate itself. The actions in Ukraine, Syria, and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 114 together. My thoughts, and the thoughts of the Government, are with the family and friends of Noah Donohoe at this extremely distressing time, and as they contend with such a profound personal loss. The case of Noah’s death is currently being investigated through a coronial inquest, as well as a corporate manslaughter case against the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: The selection of a new party leader is a matter for the DUP, and it will be for the party's new leadership to put forward its nominee to serve as the new First Minister. In any scenario, we will of course continue to seek to have a good and constructive relationship with the DUP and all the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive, based on the implementation of existing agreements. As...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 74 together. The violent incidents that took place across Northern Ireland last month are deeply concerning. Both Governments, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the Northern Ireland Assembly have all strongly condemned the violence, and the attacks on police officers and others. I welcome the relative calm of recent weeks. However, there is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Government welcomes the conclusion of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The TCA, together with the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, means that Ireland’s key Brexit objectives have been achieved. Last month ratification of the TCA was finalised after the European Parliament completed its scrutiny of the Agreement and voted...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Arms Trade (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: Ireland supports all efforts to end the conflict in Yemen, and urges all parties to the conflict to engage urgently and seriously with the UN led process led by Special Envoy Griffiths. There is no currently no consensus at the UN Security Council on the imposition of an international arms embargo on Yemen. Such a decision would require a majority vote on the Council, as well as an...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I am deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Jerusalem in recent days, the launching of rockets from Gaza, and the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces. I am shocked at reports of people killed in this operation, including 9 children, and by the launching of rocket from Gaza into Southern Israel and the deaths there. I call urgently for calm and restraint from all parties. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Service began scaling up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”. Passport Online will continue to be the priority given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 80 together. Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the US and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people wishing to live and work in the US have been priority issues for successive Governments and continue to be key priorities for the current Government. Immigration issues have been raised on an ongoing basis in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Migration Crisis (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I have consistently ensured that Ireland voices its support for EU efforts to put in place more effective and humane arrangements to manage the migratory pressures which the EU continues to face. The EU Commission’s “New Pact on Migration and Asylum” represents an opportunity to renew efforts to put in place such arrangements. Discussions on the Pact are continuing within...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 87 together. The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland addresses the complex set of unique challenges presented by Brexit on the island of Ireland. An integral part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, it is the agreed way to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement, to avoid a hard border and protect the integrity of the Single Market. North South...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: With conflict the main driver of humanitarian crises, prevention and response to humanitarian crises is a key priority during Ireland’s term on the UN Security Council, and is central to ‘A Better World’, Ireland’s policy for International Development Cooperation. Throughout our Council term, Ireland will advocate for principled humanitarian assistance and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the case of the journalist in question. I do not wish to comment on individual cases but it is nevertheless worrying that any journalist feels that they cannot continue to do their work in mainland China. I also note the statement by the EU Spokesperson on this case, from the 2nd April. My Department is in frequent touch with the Chinese Embassy and media coverage of this case...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: My Department provides consular assistance to all Irish citizens in distress overseas where requested. This includes confidential advice and support in relation to illness or any emergency situation, in line with the principles of our Consular Assistance Charter. While our Embassies and Consulates cannot provide medical advice, consular officials can provide citizens with information on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Communications (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I have been in regular contact with British Government Ministers in recent weeks. I travelled to London for a series of engagements in late April, including meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, and I met again with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland last week in Dublin. In these...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: The Government dedicated substantial time and resources into preparing for Brexit since 2016. This intensive effort across departments and agencies included the development of two Brexit Omnibus Acts; three Brexit Action Plans; substantial investment in the State’s infrastructure and IT systems (including provision for 1,500 additional staff to support new checks and controls); and the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the report referred to in the details supplied, which my officials are reviewing. I have been forthright in expressing my concerns regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Ireland’s position on this issue is, and will continue to be, based on international law, Israel’s obligations as the occupying Power under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and on the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: The right to peaceful protest is, as this House knows, a vital element of any democracy and I understand that the vast majority of the protests across Colombia in recent days have been peaceful, with violence reported in just 15 of Colombia's 400 municipalities. Citizens rights to demonstrate and to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly must be respected and protected and not be...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (11 May 2021)

Simon Coveney: Throughout the pandemic the Passport Service provided an emergency passport service to citizens. The range of emergency and urgent personal reasons in which travel by citizens is permitted is provided for on a statutory basis, originally in S.I. No. 29/2021 - Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 and now in S.I. No....