Results 10,001-10,020 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (18 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Brexit was not on the agenda of the most recent Foreign Affairs Council on 8 April. However, it was discussed at the General Affairs Council (Article 50) on 9 April, which I attended together with Minister of State McEntee. At that meeting, the Ministers prepared the agenda for the European Council the following day. In light of Prime Minister May's letter of 5 April, Ministers considered the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Civil Service Staff Data (18 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The total number of permanent full-time equivalent staff in civil service grades in my Department at the end of years 2016, 2017 and 2018, the grades of these officers and the proportion of female and male staff in each grade is in tabular form below. My Department also employs locally engaged staff in Missions abroad, and temporary staff on a seasonal basis. My Department is committed to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Data (18 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The following table summarises the turnaround times for the Passport Service’s main application channels. Turnaround times for individual Missions outside Ireland and the UK are omitted as these will vary for each individual Mission and are dependent on local postal services. Type of Passport application Target turnaround time Average turnaround time  Online Passport Renewal...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Data (18 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The number of first-time passport applications received from applicants who were resident in Northern Ireland and Great Britain at the time of application during the period 2014 to 2019 is detailed in the table below: Year First-time applications from applicants resident in Northern Ireland First-time applications from applicants resident in Great Britain 2014 18,370 5,676 2015 20,676...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (18 Apr 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. The Government will continue to do everything in its power, in accordance with its responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions. The devolved...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: British-Irish Agreement (17 Apr 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.  The Government will continue to do everything in its power, in accordance with its responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions. The devolved...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The outcome we all want is an end to armed conflict and a politically negotiated solution. There was much hope for the future of Libya when President Gaddafi was removed. What we now have, unfortunately, is a broken state with armed factional leaders. The Irish position in trying to move this process is to support the approach of the UN special representative rather than the approach of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I recognise that the response I gave earlier was quite technical in referring to conventions, etc., but it was important to put that information on the record. We are seeing an increase in intolerance and persecution of minorities across the world. In some cases, the states involved feel that they almost have a licence to act as they do in the aftermath of the actions of other countries....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: We have a closer relationship with China now than we have ever had previously. This involves more trade delegations, more interaction and more meetings that involve local government as well as national Government. I have taken the approach of being respectful but, at the same time, being upfront about human rights concerns and the approach to governance in China from a human rights...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I hope countries such as Ireland, New Zealand and others can lead by example in order that we are more credible when we make criticisms.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Foreign Conflicts (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 57, 66 and 91 together. I am deeply concerned about the ongoing fighting around the Libyan capital, Tripoli. The military attack launched by the so-called Libyan National Army, LNA, which led to this escalation, is putting civilians at risk and disrupting efforts to find a peaceful resolution to an ongoing conflict. As of Friday, 12 April, this...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Applications Data (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I thank the Deputy for allowing me to put on the record the success of the new online passport renewal service launched in March 2017. Since its launch, more than 440,000 online applications have been received. For applications received so far this year, over 70% of eligible applicants have utilised the online renewal service rather than a paper application, which is very welcome from our...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Applications Data (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: A total of 446,383 online applications were received between 30 March 2017, when the service was launched, and 31 March 2019. The total number of applications of all types received in the same period was slightly more than 1.7 million. A total of almost 148,000 online applications have been received since the expansion of the online service on 28 November. The total number of applicants...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Applications Data (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: In some ways, under the current system the term "passport express" is almost a misnomer because the online application process, which has a ten-day turnaround time, although people often receive their passport after three or four days, is far quicker. We set a target of ten days plus postage but it is often far quicker than that. The postage process takes 15 days, or 50% longer, although it...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Religious Persecution (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right, which is replicated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, includes the freedom to change one’s religion or belief and the freedom, either alone or in community with others, to manifest one’s religion or belief...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I agree with the Deputy that the approach has not worked but we have to make a judgment as to what is likely to produce positive results. Trying to introduce a Bill that we know to be illegal and unenforceable might make some-----

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: It is the opinion of the Attorney General.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The day we set aside the Attorney General's opinion in this House will be a sad day for democracy. Any party that has been in government would know that. Having said that, I understand the frustration which gave rise to the Bill. I have said that on many occasions in this House and in the Seanad. We cannot propose to introduce legislation or policies that are unenforceable or illegal in...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I have been clear on recent comments by the United States on the Golan Heights. We have been consistent and clear about the corrosive impact of expanding settlements in terms of the expanding size of some existing settlements and new settlement activity, both in the West Bank and on the Golan Heights. It fundamentally undermines the capacity to function in the context of the two-state...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Israeli Settlements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: We have supported all of those.