Results 10,941-10,960 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 78 together. Throughout the negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement, I, as well as officials from my Department, engaged in extensive contact with representatives from EU Member States, the Commission and Task Force, and the UK, to advance Ireland’s priorities. The Withdrawal Agreement, as agreed in November, and adopted by the European...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Taoiseach and I have prioritised the immigration issue 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 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 Conflicts (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 79 together. I continue to be deeply concerned by the political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which has had a grave impact on the Venezuelan people, and has resulted in mass migration, affecting countries in the region and overall regional stability. On 10 January, President Maduro started a new mandate on the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Migration Crisis (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am deeply troubled by the recent reports of 170 migrants missing in the Mediterranean Sea. Any death at sea is tragic.   Saving lives at sea is a priority for Ireland and for this reason we have been active in operations to tackle people-trafficking in the Mediterranean since 2015, first through Operation Pontus, a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Italy running in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 69 together. The Government has been consistent that we will not accept a hard border on this island. The EU and UK both accept that avoiding a hard border is essential. Throughout the negotiations it has been a priority to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, and to ensure that there will be no hard border on the island of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 84 together. I met with Michel Barnier on 21 January, in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. We discussed the disappointing but not unexpected outcome of the 15 January vote in the House of Commons on the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. Both Mr Barnier and I are in agreement that what we need from the UK is clarity on how it proposes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 86 together. Promoting respect for human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland has consistently supported the human rights of prisoners and detainees, and continually advocates for the freedom of civil society actors to operate in a safe and enabling environment.  Overall, through our engagement at the UN...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: Throughout the negotiations and Brexit process, it has been a priority of this Government to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process, which includes ensuring that there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland under any circumstances. The Withdrawal Agreement, which was agreed  by the UK and EU in November and endorsed...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Peace Process (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: The Middle East Peace Process is a matter of deep concern to me, and the Deputy will be aware of the attention I have given to this issue since assuming this office. It is a priority for the Government, and for the Irish people, to do what we can to bring the Israel-Palestine situation to a resolution which is just and equitable for both peoples. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the specific mine to which the Deputy refers, although I should say at the outset that queries regarding where the ESB sources its coal would be more properly directed to my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.   I understand that there have been complaints from some non-governmental organisations regarding private sector...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: Ireland is seeking election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term. The election will take place in the General Assembly of the United Nations in June 2020. Ireland’s candidature was announced in 2005 and the campaign is intensifying as the election date draws closer. There are two seats available on the Security Council for elected members...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am very concerned with the hunger strike of the Kurdish prisoners, and in particular the case of Ms. Leyla Guven, the deputy of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP). As the Deputy is aware, we had called for the Turkish authorities to address our concerns about Ms. Guven and we are pleased to see that she has been released, although we remain concerned that her hunger...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of reports regarding the individual referred to by the Deputy. As with most individual cases, this has not been discussed at Foreign Minister level. The Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi regularly coordinates locally with other EU Member States on Human Rights issues in UAE. This can include sharing information in relation to individual cases. In relation to the individual in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together. I have frequently called on all regional actors, and all those involved in the Syria conflictto show restraint and avoid any escalation, which could further undermine regional stability, as well as adding to the suffering of civilians. I take this opportunity to reiterate that call. I also repeat my call on all parties with influence on the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: We maintain frequent contact with our EU partners. The Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I take every opportunity to engage with EU partners to advance Ireland’s priorities in the Article 50 process. I, as well as officials from my Department, remain in ongoing contact with representatives from EU Member States, the Commission and Task Force, and the UK.  I discuss Brexit...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: At the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 January EU Ministers discussed various matters. Under the Current Affairs agenda item there was discussion on developments in DRC, Venezuela, Syria, Yemen and Nicaragua. Ministers discussed the EU-ASEAN relationship ahead of the EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting later that day. Member States focused on the importance of elevating EU-ASEAN relations to a...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Migration Crisis (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: In June, the European Council reconfirmed thar a functioning EU policy on migration requires a comprehensive approach which combines effective controls of the EU's external borders, action to strengthen co-operation with countries of transit and origin and dealing with the management of migrants within the European Union, where a balance of solidarity and responsibility is needed. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Data (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: Since the expansion of the passport online renewal service for children in November 2018, almost 8,000 of the approximately 18,600 applications to renew children's passports have been made online. As awareness of the service increases, we expect to see an even greater move towards the online channel. The online service brings significant benefits for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: I am aware of the difficult situation which currently pertains for human rights defenders in Guatemala, and condemn unreservedly any act of intimidation or violence perpetrated against those seeking to defend their rights. Guatemala has made some strides in its political and social development over the past two decades since the gradual cessation of armed conflict from 1996 onwards. While...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (29 Jan 2019)

Simon Coveney: The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government.  The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government.  ...