Results 13,221-13,240 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (27 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Joint Report of EU and UK negotiators, published in December, states that in the event that it is not possible to resolve the border issue through the wider future relationship agreement between the EU and the UK, which has always been the preference of the Irish Government as well as that of the UK, or through specific solutions, the UK has committed to maintaining full regulatory...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (27 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: In the Joint Report of EU and UK negotiators, published last December, the UK made a number of commitments and guarantees, including ensuring there would be no border infrastructure of any kind or associated checks and controls on the island of Ireland. In addition to commitments on Irish-specific issues, the UK made commitments across the other two exit issues; citizens’ rights, and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Capital Expenditure Programme (27 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a total capital allocation of €13 million in 2018, under the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2018, across its two Votes (Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 – Foreign Affairs and Trade). Under the recently published National Development Plan 2018 - 2027, the Department will have capital allocations in the period...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Travel Documents (27 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Service of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for the issuance of passports to Irish citizens and for the maintenance of the security and integrity of the Irish passport. Immigration or administrative requirements for entry into other States, including what documentation is acceptable for those purposes, are not matters within the competence of my...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (27 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008 (“the Act”). 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 legal requirement, each person must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship in his/her passport application. Entitlement to Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Cases (27 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: The overall human rights situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the treatment of children in detention, remains a matter of concern. In particular, there are serious concerns about the Israeli military court system which is used in relation to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including children. The same system does not apply to Israeli...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Commemorative Events (27 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: A programme of events, at home and abroad, is being developed to highlight this important anniversary and to mark the achievement of the Agreement, which continues to be the cornerstone of our commitment to peace and reconciliation. My Department is engaging with other Government Departments and, both here on the island of Ireland and through our overseas Embassy network, with a range of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008 (“the Act”). In the case of children and among other requirements, section 14 of the Act requires the Minister to be satisfied on reasonable grounds that appropriate consent for issue of a passport has been provided. In general, consent is required as follows: -Where the child has 2 guardians,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Data (22 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: One adviser and one official travelled from my Department to the launch of the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 and National Planning Framework in County Sligo. To date no related travel costs have been incurred by my Department. In line with relevant circulars issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, officers are entitled to claim travel and subsistence expenses...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: Successive US Administrations have provided immensely valuable support to the peace process over the last three decades, and this support continues to be provided by the current US Administration, as well as by our many friends in Congress. The Government strongly appreciates the sustained engagement by the current US Administration, including by the US State Department, in relation to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, has spared no effort in supporting and facilitating talks on the formation of a new Executive, over many months. Fully functioning, devolved, power-sharing Institutions are the only way forward for Northern Ireland, and are urgently required. Last week’s developments in Stormont are of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (21 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, I have responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit, which is being advanced through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by my Department which bring together the results of the detailed work which is being undertaken by individual Departments....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Data (21 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport, including a postal application system, online service, and through the network of Irish Missions worldwide. The Passport Service has received over 129,000 applications between 1 January and 16 February 2018, which represents an increase of 16% on the same period last year. In order to respond...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Data (21 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Card was launched in October 2015 and offers Irish citizens the convenience of travel to 31 countries including the EU/EEA and Switzerland, with a credit card sized travel document. Applications for passport cards are processed exclusively through the Passport Online Service, accessible via my Department’s website at www.dfa.ie/passport. The target turnaround time for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Fees (21 Feb 2018)

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 €8.20 per year for a British passport, €8.50 per year for a French passport, €8.90 per year for renewal of an American passport and €18.10...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (21 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together. Ireland published its National Plan on Business and Human Rights in November 2017 on foot of a Government commitment to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The National Plan aims to give effect to the Guiding Principles through the promotion of responsible business practice at home and overseas, and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (20 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: Our Permanent Representation in Brussels, my officials and I remain in regular contact with Michel Barnier and his Taskforce to ensure that Ireland’s interests continue to be advanced and protected in the EU-UK negotiations. I have met with Mr Barnier on four occasions since taking office, most recently in advance of the General Affairs Council (Article 50) in Brussels on 12...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Data (20 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Passport Service is currently processing over 58,000 passport applications. These applications are going through the normal checking, processing and security stages. The turnaround timeframe for processing a passport application will depend on the channel through which the application is submitted. The highest proportion of applications are submitted through the Passport Express...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications Data (20 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: As the Deputy will be aware, the Passport Service provides a range of application channels, each of which is designed to accommodate applicants’ circumstances. These channels include postal, online, and in-person options. The turnaround timeframe for processing an application will depend on the channel through which the application is submitted. The highest proportion of applications...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Immunity (20 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together. The effectiveness of the UN depends on its positive reputation as a force for good in the world. It is therefore critical to the performance and reputation of the organisation that its staff operate to the highest standards. Sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff, whose fundamental objective is to protect and care for innocent...