Results 9,181-9,200 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Preparations (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 to 115, inclusive, 120 and 123 to 125, inclusive, together. The Government’s detailed and comprehensive work across all sectors on no deal planning is guided by the priorities and actions set out in the Government’s Contingency Action Plan Update. This Update, published on 9 July, takes forward the approach of the Contingency Action Plan...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: Negotiations on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union were not on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 14 October.  I attended the meeting of the GAC in Article 50 format held on the morning of 15 October, during which the EU’s Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier briefed Ministers on the status of the then ongoing negotiations between the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 118 and 126 together. The Citizenship and Identity provisions are central to the Good Friday Agreement and it is vital that they are upheld. The Government has consistently engaged with the British Government in support of this, and we will continue to do so. It is important to say that Ms. Emma De Souza is an Irish citizen, and this is provided...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland’s relationship with China is broad and wide-ranging, covering political, trade, education, and people to people links. We share strong links in a range of areas, though there are nevertheless a number of differences in our relationship. In this context, Ireland frequently raises points of concern with the Chinese Government directly and in appropriate multilateral fora. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 129 together. The person in question is a leading advocate of the movement for boycott, divestment and sanctions, BDS, against Israel, which is intended to pressure Israel into ending the occupation. While the Government does not itself support such a policy, it is a legitimate political viewpoint, albeit one regarded in Israel as deeply hostile. I do...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Colombian Peace Process (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 130, and 135 to 137, inclusive, together. I understand that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has this month been hearing arguments regarding disappeared persons who might be buried in the zone of the Hidroituango dam in the region of Antioquia, and will decide whether to issue precautionary measures in this area. I understand that this is a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Oct 2019)

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

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Value for Money Reviews (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes - Vote 27 (International Co-operation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade). The Department seeks to minimize expenditure on consultants. It commissions external expertise in line with national and EU procurement rules in areas where highly specialised skills are...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: The European Union citizenship of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland continues under all circumstances, including a no deal Brexit. As Union citizens, Irish citizens in Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy the right to move and reside freely throughout the EU, benefiting from the important right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of nationality while doing so. They will...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (22 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 141 together. Ireland is deeply troubled by Turkey’s unilateral military action in Syria, which has severely destabilised a region which is still reeling from the fight against ISIS. I am particularly concerned about the humanitarian impact of the action and the further displacements of civilian populations that are occurring as a result. ...

Mandatory Beef Price Transparency Bill 2019: First Stage (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: No.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I know Glanworth very well but I am not familiar with where Irish Water is in delivering that wastewater treatment plant. I can pass it on to the Minister and ask him to come back to the Deputy.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am aware that many bus operators are finding it difficult to get drivers. Obviously, the age limit for transporting children has been set for a reason, but I will raise-----

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: There are many sectors of society where, for various reasons, there are age limits for work. It is not discrimination.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: It is a child protection issue. Regardless of whether it is appropriate to review the matter, I will raise it with the Department of Education and Skills. We will revert to the Deputy.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: To be honest, that is a matter for the line Minister and the Minister for Finance. It is unlikely that the budget provisions will change.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: There was a long debate on disability yesterday between the two leaders. The Taoiseach made it clear that we had seen dramatic increases in funding for the disability sector in recent years and into next year. However, there is an increasing demand, too. We will continue to prioritise this sector in terms of increased funding.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: No problem.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: The second element of that question is well above my pay grade.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Oct 2019)

Simon Coveney: I will ask the Minister for Health to respond to the Deputy. I am familiar with this project being on the capital programme, but I do not know the timings.