Results 8,041-8,060 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 126 together. I am deeply concerned by the recent clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, in particular along the line of contact, which have regrettably led to the loss of life and severe injury, including civilian casualties. Ireland joins those calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the negotiating table, and we...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Common Travel Area (CTA) will continue to facilitate the movement of staff and students between higher education institutions on the island of Ireland after the end of the Brexit transition period. Under the CTA, Irish and British citizens can move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy associated rights and entitlements including access to employment, education and social...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Migration Crisis (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 124 and 134 together. I am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based there. The very sudden displacement of thousands of people has caused great suffering to those in the camp, as well as posing a huge logistical challenge for the Greek authorities in the midst of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 129 and 138 together. The deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus is appalling and Ireland strongly supports the Belorussian people in their clear and simple demands for free and fair elections and to have their basic human rights respected. Even before the 9 August election, Ireland, and the EU, highlighted concerns regarding crackdowns...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The approach of any Government in relation to Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998. The Government respects everyone’s right on this island to make the case for the constitutional future they wish to see for Northern Ireland - whether the continuation of the union with Great Britain or a sovereign united Ireland. The Good Friday...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Protecting and promoting human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland has consistently supported women human rights defenders and continually advocates for the freedom of all civil society actors to operate in a safe and enabling environment. The detention of women human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia is deeply concerning, and Ireland has consistently raised...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Foreign Births Registration Section has now resumed the processing of applications. Foreign Births Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. At present, it takes between 12 to 18 months to process an application to completion. The section is operating at...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 131 together. I am aware of the recent verdict of the Spanish Supreme Court against the former President of the Catalan region in connection with disobeying an instruction from the Electoral Commission to remove political symbols from public buildings during an election campaign. As in Ireland, we respect the separation of powers in Spain and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Security Council (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Ireland will take up its seat as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term on 1 January. We intend to make a constructive contribution across the agenda of the Council, which has nearly tripled since Ireland last held a seat 20 years ago. Three principles will underpin our approach: Building Peace, Strengthening Prevention, and Ensuring Accountability. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: This year marked the 46th anniversary of the appalling attacks of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in which 33 people were murdered. The Government stands in solidarity with all those who lost loved ones or were injured on that day. The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 139 together. The ninth round of negotiations in the EU-UK Future Relationship took place from 28 September to 3 October. While a degree of progress was made, there remains some distance to go on the key issues of fisheries, the level playing field and governance. Unlocking these issues is key to moving towards a more intensified phase of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Programme for Government (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: In the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”, the Government affirms that it will work with the Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government to commit to investment and development opportunities in the North West and Border communities, including third-level opportunities for young people from across the region at the Ulster University Magee Campus in Derry....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visa Agreements (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The House will be aware that the issue of Irish immigration into the United States has been a high priority for successive Governments and it continues to be prioritised by this Government. I have continuously raised immigration issues, particularly the E3 visa, in my interactions with the US Administration and US political leaders, including most recently during my meeting with US...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has not been quiet on this matter, and I have spoken in this House about our concerns regarding the situation in Xinjiang on numerous occasions. The promotion and protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law is central to Ireland’s foreign policy. The United Nations is the primary platform for multilateral cooperation among states, and Ireland engages in a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Preparations (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Regardless of the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, the end of the transition will mean substantial and lasting change. The UK will be outside the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union from 1 January 2021. This means that any business that moves goods to, from or through Great Britain will be subject to a range of customs formalities, SPS checks and other regulatory requirements...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am satisfied that robust procedures are in place in my Department to administer the agreed procedures for Embassies to apply for clearance for military flights to enter Irish sovereign airspace.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Preparations (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Reply awaited

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of serious concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human rights as enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution, we are concerned by ongoing instances of violations of fundamental freedoms, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Refugee Resettlement Programme (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together. I am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based there. The very sudden displacement of thousands of people has caused great suffering to those in the camp, as well as posing a huge logistical challenge for the Greek authorities in the midst of the pandemic. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (6 Oct 2020)

Simon Coveney: Throughout the Brexit process, the Government has worked with our EU partners and the Commission to ensure that EU-level readiness and contingency planning addresses the needs of our businesses and citizens. The European Commission has published seven Communications on Brexit readiness and contingency planning. The most recent such Communication was published on 9 July and complements...