Results 7,041-7,060 of 50,064 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: On 30 December 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 77/247, which included a request to the International Court of Justice to render an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Ireland voted in favour of this resolution, which was supported by 87 UN Member States. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Government does not currently have plans to open an Embassy in Baghdad. The Embassy of Ireland in Amman is accredited to Iraq. Ireland’s global impact and diplomatic network has been strengthened by the Global Ireland Programme, which was launched in 2018. The Global Ireland programme aims to double Ireland's international impact and influence in the period 2018 to 2025,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 44 and 56 together. The developments in Nagorno-Karabakh are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and our EU partners, and our priority remains the safety of the local population, and the humanitarian situation on the ground. On 18 September, we were encouraged by the simultaneous passage of humanitarian supplies from Armenia via the Lachin corridor...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 40, 63 and 67 together. I visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and Jordan from 4-8 September 2023. In view of the continuing priority afforded by the Government to our relations with these partners and – in particular – the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this visit provided an important opportunity to meet with my...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 62 together. I visited New York from 16 to 21 September for the opening of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly. The Taoiseach, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Minister for Health were also present for a series of high level UN meetings, held at senior political level. I attended the opening high level...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 35 together. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act is a unilateral and unnecessary departure by the UK Government from the agreed processes for dealing with legacy set out in the Stormont House Agreement. It was introduced without meaningful consultation with those most affected, including victims, civil society, and Northern...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: I am deeply concerned by recent policy and legislative initiatives of the Israeli Government regarding settlements. Settlements are illegal under international law and Israel should not make any provision to advance settlement authorisation and development. During my visit to the region, I made this view clear to all of my Israeli interlocutors including the Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 39 together. I welcome the comments by the leader of the British Labour party that his party, if elected, would pursue a closer relationship with the European Union. For Ireland, a positive and cooperative relationship between the EU and the UK is essential for the pursuit of many areas of key national interest, an important factor in stability in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: An Gorta Mór - the Great Famine - had a profound impact on Irish life and society which, as I said in my remarks at the National Famine Commemoration in 2022 - “Its indelible marks are still there in our culture, our society, our politics and our place in the wider world." In 1997, on the 150th anniversary of the Famine, then British Prime Minister Tony Blair issued a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: International climate finance is a key priority for the Government and for Ireland’s foreign policy. At COP26 in 2021, I set a target to provide a least €225 million annually in climate finance to developing countries by 2025. My Department subsequently led on the development of Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap as the pathway to achieve this target. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”. In the absence of progress towards a two-State solution,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together. Recent global crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have once again highlighted the need for a reformed UN. Ireland is making a positive impact across the work of the United Nations and is engaged in seeking reforms, including in support of the UN Secretary General’s...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has held a strong and unwavering commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) since its adoption in Dublin in 2008. Along with the other over 100 States Parties to the CCM, Ireland's position remains that these weapons are, by nature, indiscriminate and imprecise. In line with our obligations under the CCM, Ireland will not use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: There are currently 18 officers at the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Ireland who have been notified to my Department under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations - 7 Diplomats and 11 Administrative and Technical staff. This includes the Russian Ambassador, Yury Filatov. Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine there were a total of 30 officers at the Embassy - 14...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Agreements (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: The UN Agreement on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction ("BBNJ") was adopted by consensus at the United Nations on 19 June 2023. It was opened for signature in New York on 20 September and Ireland was among the first countries to sign on that day. Signature is subject to ratification. The objective of the BBNJ Agreement is the conservation and sustainable use of marine...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Enlargement (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland is a strong supporter of EU membership for the countries of the Western Balkans, provided that they meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in the Western Balkans. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the clear need for continuing, ever-closer cooperation between the EU and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings continues to be a priority, in fulfillment of the Programme for a Partnership Government. The continuing absence of a substantive response from the British government on these motions is of deep concern and is an issue I consistently raise with UK Ministers. When I met with the Secretary of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: The tragic death of Mahsa Amini in police custody just over a year ago has focussed attention on the systemic discrimination against women and girls in public and private life in Iran. Ireland has been clear in condemning Iran’s oppression of the subsequent widespread peaceful protests. Ireland expects Iran to uphold its international obligations, particularly the International...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: Australia and Ireland share close and long-standing connections, underpinned by strong people-to-people links.In 2021, we celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations with Australia and our Embassies are engaged in a range of activities to deepen bilateral engagement as well as cooperation at multilateral level. Ireland is represented by two diplomatic missions in Australia, with an...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (28 Sep 2023)

Micheál Martin: Ireland has had extensive diplomatic and political relations with Canada since the foundation of the State. Diplomatic relations were established in 1939 and the 85th anniversary of diplomatic relations takes place in 2024. Irish heritage in Canada is deeply rooted with some 4.5 million or 14% having Irish ancestry. The influence of those with Irish heritage in Canada and their affinity...