Results 8,501-8,520 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Meetings (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: Early in 2020, an initial approach was made to my Department by a Hong Kong-based consortium exploring the feasibility of a potential large-scale urban development.   The potential development is at a preliminary conceptual stage and it is understood that the consortium has spoken to contacts in a number of jurisdictions.  The promoters were encouraged to carry out more research on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I have been forthright on my views about Israeli Government statements regarding the possible annexation of territory in the West Bank.  The unilateral annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy, and would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland, or by the international community...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations (30 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: Following our election on 17 June, Ireland will take a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2021 and 2022.  Our approach to the work of the Council will be guided by the principles and values enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which have informed Irish foreign policy over many decades.  The Council’s workload is very heavy, dealing with more than 30...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21 and 24 together. As I stated last week, I was shocked by the tragic death of George Floyd on 25 May and the circumstances surrounding his death. I am also deeply concerned at the underlying issues of racial inequality and racism that gave rise to protests in many cities across the United States and elsewhere in recent weeks, including here in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I take every opportunity to engage with our EU partners to advance Ireland’s priorities in matters arising from the UK's withdrawal from the EU, including the EU-UK Future Partnership negotiations, and implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, with the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. My engagement with key interlocutors on Brexit has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the cases that the Deputy raises. Given the importance Ireland attaches to respect for the separation of powers, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific cases ruled upon by the courts of another EU Member State. The constitutional and political arrangements in Spain are matters to be determined by its own citizens, through its democratic processes and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 28 and 37 together. Once the potential impact of Covid-19 became obvious, contingency planning commenced to minimise the impact of restrictions on the delivery of passport services. In particular, plans were put in place to ensure that we continued to provide an emergency service for the issuance of passports in cases of serious illness or death...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The passport for the applicant in question was dispatched from the Passport Service on the 10 June. An officer from the Passport Service contacted the applicant on the 11 June and the applicant confirmed they had received their new passport.  

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Government is closely monitoring the situation in Hong Kong in light of the recent announcement by the Chinese National People's Congress to implement a national security law in Hong Kong.  Ireland, along with our EU partners, is a strong supporter of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, through which the Basic Law grants Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, along with an...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I can advise that consular officials in my Department are in contact with the family regarding their urgent need to travel to the US. The Deputy will understand that my Department cannot intervene in the immigration decisions of another jurisdiction. However, officials have advised the family as to how they might resolve their situation in cooperation with the relevant US authorities....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visa Applications (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The processing of visa applications, once received, is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality. The COVID–19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice and Equality conducts its business at this time. Since 20 March, the Department of Justice and Equality has temporarily ceased accepting new visa...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: Regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK negotiations, the end of the transition period will see the UK no longer apply the rule of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This will have immediate implications for trade flows. Since 2018, the Government has been investing in the infrastructure and systems required for additional customs, official controls and SPS checks on EU-UK...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 39 together. Full implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is a key priority for the EU, as well as for Ireland. The Government remains in close contact with the European Commission and our EU partners on this matter. Over recent weeks, I have had contacts with EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, as well as with UK...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes in relation to freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, and torture in detention. Human rights issues therefore continue to constitute an important part of Ireland's engagement and dialogue with Iran. I am aware of the two cases raised, and note with concern that there are reports that the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides all possible consular advice and assistance to citizens overseas, where requested and where appropriate. As part of the comprehensive approach to assisting our citizens overseas in the context of COVID-19, a particular focus of our work has been on helping those who are normally resident in Ireland to return home safely. Since the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: On 31 January 2020, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland signed legislation establishing a Victims’ Payment scheme for victims of Troubles-related incidents. The Government is aware that certain issues have been raised around the funding and scope of this scheme, which are primarily a matter for the UK Government and NI Executive to agree. The Government believes that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: My Department delivers Ireland’s foreign policy objectives through our Mission network consisting of Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Representations worldwide.  As part of the Government's strategy, "Global Ireland - Ireland's Global Footprint to 2025", over the last two years my Department has opened new Embassies in Chile, Colombia, Jordan, New Zealand, Liberia, and new...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: There were no such costs incurred by my Department in either 2018 or 2109. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has procured an external monitoring service for press and broadcast media. While this contract allows for social media monitoring if required, this element is not currently utilised. The Department monitors its own and external social media activity through free...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Communications (9 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 24, 25 and 37 together. Like the people of the United States, and indeed the people of Ireland, I was shocked and saddened by what happened on 25 May in Minneapolis. The death of George Floyd was appalling and the circumstances surrounding his death were deeply upsetting and unsettling. I am also deeply concerned at the underlying issues of racial...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Birth Registration (9 Jun 2020)

Simon Coveney: 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. With regard to the specific application the Deputy has enquired about, I can confirm that the Foreign Birth Registration team in my Department has been in direct contact with the father of the applicant...