Results 761-780 of 45,281 for speaker:Simon Harris

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I welcome Deputy Kenny. I share Deputy Ó Laoghaire's sentiments on the need to step back from the brink in protecting the fragile ceasefire in place. We will have an opportunity to engage on that shortly. To be clear, the Government and I, as the Tánaiste and leader of my party, still believe in legislating in relation to trade with the occupied territories. We gave that...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I have been clear; I am not trying to be in any way evasive. The Government's position is to legislate prohibiting goods from the occupied Palestinian territory. That is our position. We are happy to engage constructively as we go through this process. More broadly, that means-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I think I have answered the question directly. The Deputy asked if it is goods or services and I said "goods".

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I am saying that at the moment our focus is on progressing legislation to prohibit goods as we bring forward proposals. I am happy to engage with the Deputy in relation to other issues but the programme for Government-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: It is crystal clear.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: The Deputy might not like the answer but it is very clear. Give me one moment-----

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: We will have plenty of time here.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: The programme for Government sets out the commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from the occupied Palestinian territory. That is the mandate I received and what I am now progressing. The mandate concerns what is in the programme for Government.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I take the point Deputies Kenny and Ó Laoghaire made in good faith about now wanting to see a watered down Bill. The only Bill that would be watered down would be one we would pass knowing it was not in compliance with law, the Constitution or EU law. I am not in the business of passing things I know are not lawful. That is an irresponsible act of government and of legislators.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: Our position is that we will pass a Bill that is strengthened due to the fact that it can stand up to scrutiny at an EU level. That is important because we have to pass laws that are compliant. I will meet the Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Munich this weekend where I will continue to discuss with them all of the efforts Ireland, the Irish Government and the Irish people...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Passport Services (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I will. That is the short answer. I join the Deputy in thanking my officials and staff in the passport service for the excellent work they have carried out. Often, I point to the passport service as an example of good practice when it comes to public service reform as regards the work that has been done with the use of technology and online service. The passport service issued over 1...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Legislative Programme (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. I thank the Deputy. I wish him well in his new role and look forward to working with him and other members of the Opposition constructively at an important time in the world for Ireland's position on a range of foreign affairs matters. I am conscious we are meeting against a backdrop of great fragility when it comes to the ceasefire,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: Ireland has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation in Hong Kong since the introduction of the National Security Law in June 2020. The National Security Law, together with subsequent legislation adopted in March 2023 introduces crimes such as treason, sedition and collusion with foreign forces, and allows for trials to be held behind closed doors. Such legislation has a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: As was the case with the fraudulent 2020 and 2024 elections, the Belarusian presidential election on 26 January 2025 can be considered neither free nor fair. I am deeply conscious that the people of Belarus have once again been denied a real voice in the governing of their country. The relentless and unprecedented repression of human rights, restrictions on political participation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I attended my first meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 27 January (FAC). Ahead of the FAC, I had a telephone conversation with the EU High Representative and Vice President of the Commission, Kaja Kallas, on 24 January. On the evening of 26 January, I attended an EU dinner with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian opposition, where I thanked her again for her tireless...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 26, 27 and 31 together. Ireland, the European Union and international partners have been consistently clear that there can be no forced displacement of the civilian population of Gaza, nor occupation of the strip by Israel. Any move to relocate the population of Gaza against its will would be contrary to United Nations Security Council Resolution...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Relations (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: On 5 February 2025, the Government agreed to my proposal to establish a Consultative Group on International Trade Policy. The Group is being established to facilitate engagement with key domestic stakeholders on the latest and emerging trade and investment development opportunities. In line with transfer in responsibilities for trade policy to my Department in the Programme for Government,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: On 17 January 2024, the Government filed an inter-state case against the United Kingdom with the European Court of Human Rights. In its application, the Government argues that certain provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the United Kingdom's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. We await confirmation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Agreements (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: In February 2024, as Taoiseach, together with Prime Minister Sánchez of Spain, I 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 on 18 March 2024 and in my meeting with President Von Der Leyen on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (11 Feb 2025)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 30 together. Ireland and the United States have deep and strong bilateral relations, built on a rich foundation of ancestral ties, shared values and close diplomatic and political links, including US support for peace on this island. We marked 100 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. As we begin the next century of diplomatic relations, Ireland...