Results 9,941-9,960 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (9 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy for raising this question and giving me an opportunity to clarify matters relating to some of the concerns he has outlined. If the Government had not made the decision we have made, Opposition parties would attack us on the basis of delays, indecision, and a betrayal of rural Ireland. We made this decision as soon as we could stand over it. The Minister for...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (9 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: If the Government was in the business of trying to hide information, it would not have published what it published yesterday. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment will take questions on all of these issues for two hours after today's sos. I am sure he will appear before a committee on this issue for many hours over several months and, in particular, on the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Terrorism (9 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: The attacks in the Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa on Easter Sunday resulted in the deaths of over 250 people and injured hundreds more. I wish to record my strong condemnation of these atrocities, and to extend my sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of those injured and killed. Following the attacks on 21 April my Department updated its travel...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: National Security Authority (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: The National Security Authority is an interdepartmental committee with membership from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. An Garda Síochána and the Irish Defence Forces also participate and the Department of Business, Enterprise and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008. The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him/her. In order to meet this requirement, each person must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship by providing acceptable documentary evidence of this entitlement. Entitlement to Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 78, 80, 87 and 89 together. The human rights situation in Bahrain is a matter of concern. Citizens in Bahrain are living in an increasingly restrictive society and there has been further erosion of fundamental freedoms in recent years, including freedom of opinion and expression. I remain concerned about the detention of a number of people in Bahrain,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Data (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: The cost of the standard ten year adult Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At a cost of €80, which breaks down to €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €8.75 per year for a British passport, €8.60 per year for a French passport, €9.90 per year for renewal of an American passport and €18.50 per...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland, together with our EU partners, is deeply concerned over the findings of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (IIFFM) of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and of other reports which conclude that gross human rights violations were committed in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States in particular by the Myanmar/Burma Military (Tatmadaw), many of which amount to the gravest crimes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Fees (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: As only limited details have been supplied about the individual in question, it is not possible to provide specific guidance on the case. I can, however, provide general advice on establishing eligibility to hold an Irish passport. All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008. The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach and I have prioritised the issue of Irish immigration in the US since taking office. We will continue our efforts in this regard until we secure progress – both in terms of future legal immigration opportunities for Irish citizens, and also in securing a pathway for those Irish who are undocumented in order to regularise their status. Special Envoy to the US Congress on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Naval Vessels (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: In response to a request from the British Embassy, my Department granted permission for a visit by University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) vessels, HMS Explorer, Archer and Example, to visit Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Kinsale from Thursday 11 April to Thursday 18 April 2019. The Ireland-UK Memorandum of Understanding on defence and security co-operation provides for bilateral engagement on...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Middle East Peace Process is at a critical impasse and the actions taken by both sides in the conflict can have serious repercussions. Promises made during the recent elections in Israel, including some reportedly threatening to annex lands in the West Bank, are unhelpful and have a damaging impact on the prospects for a positive outcome. Unhelpful election rhetoric is not unique...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the case raised by the Deputy, and I am increasingly worried about reports of the deteriorating health of the individual in question. Concerns have been raised by UN human rights experts, the European Parliament, and various human rights organisations, both regarding the fairness of the individual’s trial and reports of poor detention conditions. This case is being...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 95 together. I am aware of the petition that has been circulated to Members of the House regarding a UN binding treaty on business and human rights. The question of a legally binding treaty to regulate the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises has been under consideration by the Inter-Governmental Working Group...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: The continuing absence of vital institutions of the Good Friday Agreement is a source of deep concern for the Government, as it is for the British Government. Yesterday, 7 May, I and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland convened the inclusive multi-party talks in Belfast, which the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach announced on 26 April, involving all five main parties and the two...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the case raised by the Deputy. The arrest and harassment of the person in question, a human rights defender and activist, is a matter of concern. The person is being tried by an Israeli Military Court on 18 charges, all related to his human rights work and protests against occupation policies and actions. This case has gone on for some time: the latest court hearing was on 7...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Fees (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008. The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him/her. In order to meet this requirement, each person must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship by providing acceptable documentary evidence of this entitlement. Entitlement to Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. We are committed to promoting freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. This commitment to promoting freedom of religion and belief is reaffirmed in the Global Island:...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Government is aware of and very concerned about the case of Human Rights Activist, Mr. Azimjan Askarov and has communicated these concerns to the Government of Kyrgyzstan. The promotion and protection of Human Rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy. In particular, we work closely with the EU, the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE to promote human rights and to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Administration (8 May 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 96 together. My Department is greatly appreciative of the important contribution made by Irish citizens working in humanitarian activities in crisis-hit areas around the world. The Passport Service recognises the unique challenges faced by many of these citizens, and those living and travelling in such difficult environments, when renewing travel...