Results 781-800 of 45,291 for speaker:Simon Harris

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...

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

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together. Ireland has been a full member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) since 2011. Since the adoption of the working definition of antisemitism by the IHRA plenary in 2016, my Department has had frequent contact with other members of the IHRA on the question of the endorsement of the working definition of antisemitism....

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

Simon Harris: The Passport Service issued 1,061,629 passport books and cards in 2024. The number of passports issued to applicants residing County Tipperary in 2024 was 20,994. Please see table below for the breakdown of adult and child passports issued during 2024 for applicants resident in County Tipperary. County Adult Child Totals Tipperary ...

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

Simon Harris: As we approach the third anniversary of Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we are at a critical moment in terms of the trajectory of the war. Over the past three years, indescribable suffering has been inflicted upon the people of Ukraine following Russia’s illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion. Millions have been forced to flee their homes,...

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

Simon Harris: The Passport Service issued over one million passports in 2024. The average turnaround time for online renewal adult passport applications for both January 2024 and January 2025 was 5 working days. This is well below the advertised estimated turnaround times for renewals which is 10 working days. The turnaround times for passport processing are: Application Type ...

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

Simon Harris: On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice delivered an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The Court’s principal conclusion was that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory was unlawful and that it must be brought to an...

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

Simon Harris: Saint Patrick’s Day has for many years served as a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote Irish culture, to recognise our diaspora and to platform and promote Ireland as an excellent location to do business and to invest, in particular in the United States. Ireland had a good working relationship with President Trump and his administration during his previous term in office....

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

Simon Harris: I have been closely following the situation in Serbia over recent weeks. On 5 February, Commissioner for EU Enlargement Marta Kos published a letter setting out the EU position on the subject. I fully align with this. Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right that must be respected. It must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law. The healthy, peaceful exchange of ideas...

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

Simon Harris: 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 2735 of 10 June 2024, which rejected any attempt at demographic...

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

Simon Harris: With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has reviewed the application, taken action as appropriate and contacted the applicant directly. We have advised the applicant to reapply online as he is a First Time Applicant. I strongly encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more...

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

Simon Harris: Both I and my officials interact with a wide variety of international partners on the Middle East which remains a major priority for this Government. Ireland’s engagement is guided by our longstanding and principled position, notably respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and...