Results 8,781-8,800 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am deeply troubled by the ongoing violence in Libya, particularly the fighting around Tripoli, which is endangering thousands of civilians and putting already vulnerable migrants and refugees in Libya at further risk. There have been reports of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The EU has called on all parties to immediately implement a ceasefire and to engage with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Relations (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: As part of Team Ireland, Ireland’s network of Missions continues to play a central role in advancing Ireland’s trading relationships.  Embassies and Consulates around the world provide vital support for Ireland’s state agencies, including by supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets.  In June 2018, the Government launched the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Meetings (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Brexit was discussed at the European Council, which met in Article 50 formation on 13 December, but it was not an item for discussion at the General Affairs Council. In its conclusions on Brexit, the European Council reiterated its commitment to an orderly UK withdrawal on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement and called for its timely ratification and effective implementation. At its...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (18 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland has put in place strong legislative, administrative and operational measures, including a multi-agency approach, to combat and prevent human trafficking.  Ireland is party to the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings which aims to prevent trafficking, protect the human rights of victims and prosecute traffickers.  We are also...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (17 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Brexit was discussed at the European Council, which met in Article 50 formation on 13 December, but it was not an item for discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council. In its conclusions on Brexit, the European Council reiterated its commitment to an orderly UK withdrawal on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement and called for its timely ratification and effective implementation. At its...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (17 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach and I, and our colleagues in Government, look forward to meeting with the new UK Government in the coming weeks.  The Taoiseach spoke with Prime Minister Johnson on Friday last and they will meet in person as soon as is possible.  For my part, I look forward to meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary, early in 2020, to discuss mutual interests and shared global...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (17 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland’s diplomatic footprint is guided by Global Ireland 2025 which aims to double the scope and impact of our global footprint.  Since the launch of Global Ireland last year my Department has been working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach and a range of other Government partners to ensure effective delivery. On July 8th, the Taoiseach and I hosted a summit in Dublin...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (17 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: My Department did not attend the 2nd International Conference on Christian Persecution convened by the Government of Hungary on 26 to 28 November. The EU was represented at the conference by the Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU, Ján Figel, who addressed the conference underlining the EU’s commitment to freedom of religion or belief. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (17 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: At present there is no visit to Dublin by my Spanish counterpart scheduled for the early months of 2020. However, I was delighted to attend the Asia Europe Meeting of Foreign Ministers which was hosted by the Spanish Foreign Ministry in Madrid earlier this week. Spain is a greatly valued partner for Ireland. I will continue to engage closely with my Spanish and other EU counterparts both...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (17 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: The current Irish passport fee for persons 18 years of age or over is €75 for applications made through the Passport Online service and €80 for a paper based application made via paper. A decision was taken in the 2005 budget to exempt applicants aged 65 and over from the passport fee. Passport fees for applicants aged 65 and over were reintroduced in the budget of December...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: My note says that the review is ongoing. The Department of Education and Skills is committed to reviewing the ex gratiascheme in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues involved, careful deliberation is required before proposals can be finalised and brought to the Government. I will raise this matter with the Minister for...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: We both know that the beef sector needs to change. That must be brought about through the beef forum or the beef task force. It would be very helpful if all players were involved in contributing to the beef task force as a way of ensuring this country's beef sector has a sustainable future. Dealing with retailers is not as straightforward as the Deputy might suggest. Retailers purchase...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: My understanding is that the Bill is on Committee Stage. The legislative process is under way.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: That is exactly what we are doing. An additional investment of €52 million is being made to bring the total funding for home supports next year to €487 million. That will deliver 19.2 million hours of home support in 2020. This represents an increase of 1 million hours on this year's target. Any regional management issues that are encountered as these funds are allocated can...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I will ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to revert to the Deputy.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill 2019 is on the agenda for this afternoon.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I understand the Minister, Deputy Harris, has visited Naas hospital in the last couple of days.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: That is a separate issue. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy on the specifics of the question.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: We are trying to make progress on the E3 visa process. I am sure the Deputy is familiar with this facility, which is available to Australian nationals. It enables them to get visas to work and live in the United States. There is an allocation each year. We are working with friends in Congress and the Senate to try to allow Irish people to use unused visas, of which there are between 3,000...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Dec 2019)

Simon Coveney: I will ask the Minister to revert directly to the Deputy, who I know takes an interest in the area. My understanding is that the Minister has legal advice that suggests some protection for birth parents and the constitutional right to privacy must be reflected in the legislation, which she is trying to balance with the rights of adopted people to accessing information-----