Results 11,461-11,480 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Aircraft Landings (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: This Government is fully committed to Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. Whilst the judgment of Mr. Justice Kearns in the 2003 High Court case of Horgan v Irelanddid include certain observations on the customary international law of neutrality, these were not relevant to the outcome of the case. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Meetings (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: There is no formal policy in my Department with regard to note taking when I or Ministers of State meet business people, leaders or other contacts. The requirement for note taking depends on the particular context and is determined on a case by case basis, taking into account the nature, subject matter, length and location of the meeting. Any notes of meetings, as well as my diary, are...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 154 and 156 together. Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Ireland works within and alongside the EU and UN to address the persecution of religious minorities wherever it occurs. I am aware of the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman convicted in 2010 of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: Ireland fully supports calls for independent and impartial investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. High Representative Federica Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for ‘continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Undocumented Irish in the USA (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 150 together. The Government continues to pursue two key objectives with regard to Irish immigration to the United States; firstly, increased pathways for legal migration by Irish citizens to the US; and secondly, seeking some form of relief for undocumented Irish citizens living in the US. The Taoiseach and I continue to prioritise this issue in all...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Issues (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: Ireland, together with the EU, continues to reaffirm its unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as and when the opportunity presents itself across all local, EU and International platforms. Central to this support is the Eastern Partnership Initiative, which provides a framework for cooperation between the EU...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visa Agreements (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: Visas, which relate solely to entry into Ireland, are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. Work permits are a matter for the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. A Palestinian or other person who has secured a Work Permit on the basis of an offer of employment may apply for a work visa to enter the country for that purpose. In relation to providing...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Defence Capabilities (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The media reports to which the Deputy’s question refers relate primarily to comments made by the French President in the context of the recent launch by France and eight other European states of a “European Intervention Initiative (EI2)”. The EI2, according to those participating, is envisaged as a rapid deployment force in order to facilitate a European security...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Data (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The number of senior positions held by both men and women respectively in my Department at the 30thSeptember 2018 are outlined in the table below: Grade Female Male Secretary General 0 1 Second Secretary General 1 3 Deputy Secretary General 0 1 Assistant Secretary 7 16 Counsellor 31 53 Principal Officer 5 15 Principal Development Specialist 2 2 Totals 46 91 The Deputy may also be...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Bodies Data (13 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The NGO Standing Committee on Human Rights was established in 1997 to facilitate formal consultation on human rights aspects of foreign policy on foot of a commitment contained in the 1996 White Paper on Foreign Policy. This was restated in The Global Island, Ireland's current Foreign Policy document, which commits the Government to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with Irish...

Data Sharing and Governance Bill 2018 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Orders 84A(3)(a) and 149(1).

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I agree with the Deputy's remarks regarding the Ceann Comhairle's leadership last night on the issue of reaching out to the Traveller community, for which I, too, thank him. I hope we will see a lot more of it. On the UN parliamentary assembly, we are currently looking at ways in which Ireland along with many other countries can continue to protect and support multilateral structures...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I accept this is a 12 month of the year challenge and problem. Capacity is a major issue across so many hospitals. For this reason, we have provided an additional 240 beds so far this year, with more to come before the end of the year. We have spent tens of millions of euro doing this. The health budget for next year is about maintaining and supporting services, but also about...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I am glad to hear Opposition parties coming out with ideas as to how we can use State agencies.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: Irish Water has been named as well. The parties that were calling for the abolition of Irish Water are now looking to it for solutions.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Peter Smith report, which is the report from the independent auditor of the process to determine the national broadband scheme in terms of tendering and procurement, is not available to Government yet. He is independent of Government and if he needs more time he needs to be given it, which the Minister, Deputy Bruton, confirmed yesterday.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Government is anxious to receive his report and recommendations, which will deal with the integrity of the process comprehensively. As soon as we have that report, the House will be informed.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: There were draft wind energy guidelines agreed between the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Housing, Planning and Local Government. Those draft guidelines then needed to go through a process of public consultation, which has been ongoing. The Government is anxious to conclude that process as-----

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I ask the Deputy to allow me to respond. In regard to climate change more generally, the Government is determined to be a leader in this area. This will require some policy decisions for which I hope we will have the support of other parties in this House. Climate change is not always about making the easy decisions and spending more money. It is also about policy change that will need...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Coveney: I hope we will get that support in the all-party committee that is working on the issue.