Results 8,721-8,740 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Services (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: One of the first questions I asked on my return to the Department after visiting the team at the Passport Office in Cork, who do a fantastic job, was whether we can extend printing facilities to Cork. I asked my officials to consider that possibility. We looked at cost, as well as the printing capacity in the existing locations. We have three printers across two locations in Dublin. As I...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Services (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: In the case of an emergency, one can access a passport straight away in Cork.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Services (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: It is not all based in Dublin. If a person in Cork, Waterford or Kerry needs to travel in an emergency, he or she can get an emergency passport on the spot from the Passport Office in Cork. If a person wishes to go on travel for reasons other than an emergency, there is a turnaround time of three days for those who need a passport quickly. We have managed to achieve a situation whereby...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ministerial Meetings (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: On 13 November, I travelled to Edinburgh for a series of high-level meetings, including with the Secretary of State for Scotland, the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, whom I have met several times in Dublin. I engaged with the Irish community there and economic partners, as one would expect. I also met the Cabinet Secretary for Government...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Citizenship Status (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I met Emma and Jake DeSouza yesterday to discuss their case, along with political representatives from three different political parties, which is very encouraging. This was a very constructive meeting and we agreed to remain in ongoing contact as the Government engages with the new British Government to secure a satisfactory solution. ...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Citizenship Status (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: In regard to legal costs, I explained to Emma DeSouza yesterday that for the Irish Government to essentially fund a legal case in another jurisdiction for an Irish citizen would set a precedent that, as I think she understands, would create difficulties. Therefore, while we want to support Emma and Jake DeSouza, I believe the best way we can do that is through political influence and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Citizenship Status (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: The most practical way to support Emma and Jake DeSouza is to get a political outcome that solves this problem, and that is what we are going to continue to work to do. I understand the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is also producing a report on this case and it will be published around 16 January. That will be an interesting read. There is activity to try to resolve this case....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: The legislation that is passed in the UK is a matter for the British Government and Prime Minister. He now has a strong majority and can legislate for what he sees appropriate. Since he has a strong majority, he can also amend that legislation in the future if he wants to. UK and British legislation is a matter for Britain. The EU will not be bound by British law and will negotiate on the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: That is a British political debate. Our issue relates to how the EU approaches this. The approach will be based on trying to get the closest possible trading relationship between the UK and the EU. The latter is in the interests of both parties, and certainly of Ireland. We have a €70 billion trading relationship between the UK and Ireland which we of course want to protect.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I will conclude on this point. People should not forget that the next negotiation is not just about a trading relationship, it will also involve bilateral negotiations on fishing, data, aviation, security and a range of other matters. All of this needs to be done in a very tight timeframe if there is not to be an extension. People should not view this challenge purely through the prism of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Overseas Development Aid Provision (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: There you are, 45 seconds just there.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: EU Development (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: In some ways it is stating the obvious, but it needs to be said and factored into the way in which we approach our EU membership in the future, that the EU without the United Kingdom will be a very different EU for Ireland. We are losing a strong partner that has advocated on most briefs for the same things that we have been advocating for. We are losing a powerful partner in many of those...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Following the UK general election, we welcome the British Government's intention to ratify the withdrawal agreement as soon as possible. This is a key step to enable an orderly withdrawal and to move on to the future EU-UK relationship discussions. The European Council discussed the future relationship on 13 December, and adopted conclusions on preparations for negotiations. The Deputy can...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Brexit Negotiations (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: First, I will challenge a couple of points the Deputy made. What is being delivered is not a hard Brexit. We do not know yet whether it will be a hard or soft Brexit. That will be determined by the future relationship discussions. What we have delivered to date is a withdrawal agreement that protects core Irish interests in key areas - the peace process and preventing physical border...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Paramilitaries are unfortunately still a part of Northern Ireland. They are a very small minority within communities and we need to be very careful not to label certain communities and areas as supportive of, or dominated by, paramilitarism. The report the Deputy refers to is absolutely right. Whatever about the challenges for devolved government in Northern Ireland, where parties are...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: EU Development (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: With the UK now due to leave the EU next month and the new institutions in place, the EU is entering a new phase that will have significant implications for Ireland. In relation to Brexit, the Government has been clear throughout that Ireland's place is firmly at the heart of Europe. We are determined to play our part in shaping the post-Brexit EU. The Taoiseach, I, the Minister of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: EU Development (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: We have already begun that process. We have done a huge amount in consulting Irish citizens on the kind of future for Europe that they want and envisage. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, has done a brilliant job in leading a consultation process in different parts of the country, inviting submissions. I was involved in that process as well and I expect the Minister of State, Deputy...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I hope that the Acting Chairman will give me the time to contribute again. I should have three minutes to respond to three Deputies.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Acting Chairman. Regarding Deputy Haughey's question, three years without a functioning devolved Government in Northern Ireland has taken its toll. There has been an absence of the capacity to make political decisions, which has had a knock-on consequence in multiple areas. That absence of a united voice in Northern Ireland during the Brexit negotiations has also been...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Any part of the deal will involve financial commitments from the British and Irish Governments. The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach have spoken about the two Governments working together on a number of projects that would benefit communities on both sides of the Border. I, for one, am committed to that principle. In terms of strand one issues, Northern Ireland will primarily look for...