Results 8,121-8,140 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Recruitment (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: There are currently no plans for a recruitment campaign to be launched for nurses to join the Defence Forces Medical Corps. A review of the Army Nursing Service has recently commenced and its conclusions and recommendations will inform further decisions in this regard.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Covid-19 Pandemic (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: In relation to non-security related emergencies, whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Staff (29 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The allocation of the staffing resources of my Department are a matter for the Secretary General in relation to assignments up to Principal level, within the confines of the administrative budget for the Department. Approval for posts above this level must be sought from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department does not currently have any such request lodged with...

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (Resumed) (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, was meant to do the summing up but is unable to as he is waiting for a test result, having been abroad. He is complying with the protocol for officeholders and is waiting for a test result. I am sure it will be fine because I spoke to him this morning and he is in good health. I will try to respond to the debate. I thank everybody for contributing...

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: Just five seconds over time.

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: There is. I will get it circulated.

EU-UK Negotiations on Brexit: Statements (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am grateful for the opportunity to update the House on developments in recent months with respect to Brexit. As I have said previously in this House, despite the continued focus of the Government, and the country, on the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit also poses an unprecedented challenge for Ireland. The Government’s focus and strategy, with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Working Holiday Programmes (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: Working Holiday Authorisations (WHAs) play an important role in building Ireland's bilateral relations with Canada and a number of other non-European countries and regions with which we have reciprocal agreements, encouraging people-to-people contacts. The Working Holiday Agreement with Canada, in place since 2003, reflects the excellent relationship which we have with Canada and contributes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Refugee Resettlement Programme (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 131 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 at the camp. It is a relief that there are no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people, including children, has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department follows developments in Spain closely and I am aware of the United Nations Working Group to which the question refers. I maintain contacts with my Spanish counterparts on a range of issues, including the situation in Catalonia. The question of Catalan independence remains a deeply divisive and contentious issue in Catalonia and in the rest of Spain. As I have previously stated,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: On 9 September the Government published its Brexit Readiness Action Plan which supports and promotes the necessary preparations for the end of the Brexit transition period. With less than 100 days to go until the end of the Brexit transition period, it is vital that businesses step up their preparations for the range of changes that will definitively take place on 1 January, 2020. From that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am advised by the Passport Service that a search was completed for a passport application using the details supplied by the Deputy but no application was found as the Passport Number is not valid. The Passport Service will be happy to provide information and guidance to the person in question. The Passport Service operates a Customer Service Hub which provides information via telephone...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Properties (24 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: The former barracks in Nenagh is no longer required for military purposes. In accordance with Government policy and my Department's practice to dispose of such surplus properties, matters relating to the disposal of Nenagh Barracks are currently being progressed. My officials are in the process of regularising outstanding legal matters relating to the property with the assistance of the...

Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020: Referral to Select Committee (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence pursuant to Standing Orders 95(3)(c) and 215(3).

Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am in the Acting Chairman's hands. I would not look to silence anybody, particularly Deputy Tóibín.

Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I hope I will be able to answer some of the questions that have been raised, even those that are not directly relevant to the legislation but this is an opportunity to address some Defence Forces issues. I thank all Members of the House who spoke for their constructive contributions and comments during the course of the debate. I am pleased to have an opportunity to bring the Bill before...

Seanad: Withdrawal Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Motion (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: I would normally only intervene after a number of other speeches were made, but I have legislation in the Dáil as well at about 6.20 p.m., so for that reason I am anxious to try to contribute to both debates if I can. There will be a Minister to replace me for the end of this motion. I am grateful for the opportunity to address the Seanad and to express the Government's strong support...

Seanad: Withdrawal Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union: Motion (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: It is okay. Clearly, any unilateral departure from the terms of the withdrawal agreement is not acceptable as such a departure could seriously erode and damage political trust in Northern Ireland, if it has not already. It also seriously damages the trust needed to deliver a successful outcome to the future relationship negotiations. The Commission has clearly stated that violating the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Refugee Resettlement Programme (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: 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 at the camp. It is a relief that there are no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian emergency as well as posing a huge logistical challenge for the Greek...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Election Monitoring Missions (23 Sep 2020)

Simon Coveney: A call for volunteers for the election observation roster for the period 2019-2023 was issued in July 2018. Eligibility for the roster was open to all Irish citizens irrespective of the jursidiction in which they live consistent with the principles of the Good Friday Agreement as well as Government policy on the diaspora. The application form required each person applying for inclusion on...