Results 10,061-10,080 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland engages actively with its partners in the Council of Europe on issues relating to the Russian Federation. We also work closely with our partners in the European Union, the United Nations and other fora. Moreover, we continue to raise our concerns regarding human rights in Russia directly with the Russian authorities. From the outset, the EU called on the Russian authorities to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Agreements (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The question of a legally binding treaty to regulate the activies of transnational corporations and other business enterprises has been under consideration by the Inter-Governmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises.  The Working Group was established on foot of a resolution to the Human Rights Council in 2014 led by a number of developing...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Disability Act Employment Targets (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together. As of 31 December 2017, 3.5% of staff employed in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade disclosed a disability within the definition as outlined in the Disability Act 2005. The percentage rate increased in 2018 and figures are expected to be available from June 2019. The Department of Foreign Affairs and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I have read the recent letter from the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service to political parties in Northern Ireland on the grave implications for business and trade in the event of a no deal Brexit.  The letter followed the UK Government’s paper of 26 February which noted that the cumulative impact of a ‘no deal’ scenario would be expected to be more severe...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: A key priority for the Government is to minimise the impact of Brexit on Ireland's trade and economy. We have therefore consistently stated our wish to see the closest possible relationship between the EU and UK, including on trade. The Government has expressed a strong desire for the UK to remain in the Single Market and Customs Union. However, this is ultimately a decision for the UK....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Report on Murder of Pat Finucane (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Government has noted the judgment of the UK Supreme Court in the Finucane case on 27 February, including the finding that an investigation compliant with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights has not been held into the murder of Pat Finucane. The Taoiseach confirmed to the Dáil on 27 February that the Government’s position remains that an independent public...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Migration Crisis (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) deals with the external aspects of migration, in particular cooperation with the countries of origin and transit. The FAC has held wide ranging discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and the Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration, António Vitorino.   Lead responsibility for migration...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney:  In the case the Deputy asks about, the child in question is the child of naturalised Irish citizens. In view of the current situation in Libya, my officials are looking at the application in question as a matter of priority.  The child's Irish citizenship must be established prior to an application being made for a Irish passport. as a passport can only issue to an Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Enlargement (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together. Ireland is a strong supporter of the enlargement of the European Union and the accession of the countries of the Western Balkans. Based on our own experience of EU membership, we believe it to be a transformative driver for stability, peace, and prosperity. Both Montenegro and Serbia have been making steady progress in their negotiations...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Development (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: EU leaders will meet for a special informal summit in Sibiu, Romania, on 9 May. During the meeting, leaders are expected to discuss priorities for the next institutional cycle and to prepare the Strategic Agenda for 2019-2024, with a view to agreeing it at the European Council in June. In preparation for the summit, we will very shortly publish a statement on Ireland’s strategic...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 132 together. Since I was appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, almost two years ago, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, has been a very high priority for me personally. Ireland has consistently taken action at both EU and UN level to ensure that the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The United Nations is working to bring about a political resolution to the crisis in Yemen. The UN Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, has played a leading role in bringing the internationally-recognised Government and the Houthi de facto authorities (also known as Ansar al Allah) to the negotiating table. In December 2018, agreements were reached by the parties in Stockholm, including...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Embassy network plays a central role in advancing Ireland’s international trade as part of Team Ireland overseas.  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. This is particularly important in the context of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Preparations (16 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Since before the Brexit referendum took place, the Government has been preparing for all possible Brexit scenarios. On 11 December 2018, the Government decided to give greater immediate priority to the preparations for a no deal Brexit.  Cross-Departmental co-ordination structures have taken forward work since then on a whole of Government basis, including preparing for a possible...

EU Regulations: Motion (11 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I move:That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion, provided by Article 4 of Protocol No. 19 on the Schengen Acquisintegrated into the Framework of the European Union annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to request to take part in the following measure to the extent that it relates to...

EU Regulations: Motion (11 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I move:That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to accept the following measure, insofar as the measure relates to the...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: Is the Deputy referring to the code of conduct on mortgages?

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: It is an issue that is constantly under review by the Central Bank but I am not aware of any plans for the Central Bank to change its approach any time soon.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am happy to try to get the Deputy a detailed answer. Carers do extraordinarily good work and, without them, the State would be under pressure that we would not be able to bear, frankly. I will talk to the Minister and I will try to come back with a more accurate answer than I can give today.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Apr 2019)

Simon Coveney: I did speak briefly to the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, in regard to this issue after Question Time last week. A lot is happening in this area and there is legislation before the Seanad as we speak. We know there is a significant disparity between the award levels, in particular for soft tissue injuries, in Ireland versus the UK. That is something that has been the focus of media this...