Results 13,401-13,420 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Internal Audits (1 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: An external quality assessment of the Internal Audit function in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently underway and will be completed in February 2018. In November 2012, following extensive consultation with Heads of Internal Audit, Audit Committees and Senior Management across the range of Vote Holders, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform determined that the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Apprenticeship Data (1 Feb 2018)

Simon Coveney: There are no apprentices enrolled in my Department and there is no scheme in place in this Department that facilitates apprenticeships. In recent years, the Department has offered a limited number of 11 month internships for graduates in the areas of human rights, conflict resolution and legal affairs. Such internships, when they arise, are advertised through the careers offices of Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Contracts Data (31 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for issuing Irish passports and all connected matters. At both EU and national levels, public procurement is governed by a comprehensive regulatory and policy framework. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade adheres to the principle of competitive tendering in respect of its contracting for services, supplies and works....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Negotiations (31 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together. Based on the additional Guidelines on the Article 50 negotiations adopted by the European Council on 15 December 2017, work during phase 2 of the negotiations will initially focus on three areas: completing work on the withdrawal issues and on drafting the Withdrawal Agreement; transitional arrangements; and preparatory work for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Advisers Data (31 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: There are currently four Special Advisers employed by my Department. There are three Special Advisers to the Tánaiste: Ms Caitríona Fitzpatrick is my Special Adviser and Political Director. She was previously a Special Adviser in my role as Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Mr. Matthew Lynch is my Special Adviser on Cabinet, Oireachtas and Leaders'...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Tender Process (31 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: The reflection process launched by EU leaders in the aftermath of the UK’s decision to leave the EU focused increased attention on the future direction of the European Union. Feeding into this process, the European Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe published last March and the Leaders' Agenda adopted by the European Council last October have prompted a debate...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (31 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: I am extremely concerned about the current situation in Yemen, which is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The war has now been ongoing for over one thousand days, and has had devastating consequences for civilians, with allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and significant loss of life. I have not met with any Saudi Ministerial...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: I hope the Senator is not insinuating that civil servants have done something inappropriate here because I do not believe they have. I will answer the question I have been asked to answer. I welcome the opportunity to reaffirm this Government's full commitment to Ireland's long-standing policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances....

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: It is important to say that, as would be customary in any routine refuelling stop, the Vice President of the United States of America availed of the facilities at Shannon Airport. My notes are very clear on this. During the course of this stopover, the Vice President availed of the opportunity to engage informally with a number of US troops since they were passing through also. To answer...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: No, it does not. Irish foreign policy is determined by the Government and by the Oireachtas. Before Irish troops go anywhere to any part of the world, we have a triple-lock system, which is a proven system that people trust. This is the basis for our military neutrality.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: We have also facilitated other countries that have landed and refuelled aircraft in Shannon.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: This is called international co-operation. Ireland is a friendly country with friendly relations with many countries. It does not mean-----

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: With all due respect to the Senator, I suspect that I have spoken a lot more about Yemen than he has-----

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: I do not know that for sure, but I have raised the issue of Yemen repeatedly-----

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: -----so I will not take any lectures from the Senator about moral positions on Yemen. We have worked through UN bodies and through the EU to try to ensure action is taken to protect civilians in Yemen and to make sure aid can get in to Yemen, which is being prevented.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: I will continue to do that but I will not accept the insinuation that because we have a friendly relationship with many countries, some of which choose to use our airport facilities appropriately and within a framework that I have outlined, this somehow undermines Irish neutrality-----

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: -----and our decision making, because it does not.

Seanad: Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018: Second Stage (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: I hope the House will agree that by my speaking early, it will give Members an opportunity to respond to what I have to say. I also wish to indicate that I will be obliged to leave at 6.15 p.m., when I will be replaced by the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon. I need to fly to London this evening. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to address this House on this important issue. At...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (30 Jan 2018)

Simon Coveney: I need to leave at 6.15 p.m. The Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, will come in to sum up.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Military Neutrality (30 Jan 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. This commitment was most recently detailed in the White Paper on Defence published in August 2015. This reaffirmed that Ireland’s policy of military neutrality remains a core element of Irish Foreign policy, as had been...