Results 14,141-14,160 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Prisoners Abroad (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and very substantial resources and time are being devoted to it. The Government has been doing everything possible to secure this citizen’s release. We have supported petitions for him to be returned to Ireland under Egyptian Law 140; we have appealed for him to be released under the Egyptian President’s...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am concerned at the deteriorating situation in Venezuela, and in particular the reported deaths of at least 56 people in clashes between security forces and opposition demonstrators. Despite having the world’s largest proven petroleum reserves, Venezuela’s population faces a shortage of food and medicines. While there have been long-running demonstrations against President...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: On 2 May, the Government published a comprehensive document, setting out in detail its approach to the forthcoming negotiations on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This document was drafted with the Department of the Taoiseach and in consultation with all relevant Government Departments. The document reflects the findings and outcomes...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Strategy (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have had discussions with Chinese counterparts regarding the Belt and Road initiative, notably with the Chinese Foreign Minister when he visited Ireland in May 2015. The Taoiseach also raised the initiative with the Chinese Premier, and other Government Ministers have held discussions with counterparts in relation to the issue. Furthermore, officials from my Department have engaged with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I have consistently raised my concerns about recent negative developments in Turkey and called on the Turkish authorities to uphold core European values of democracy, human rights, respect for rule of law and freedom of expression, including media freedom, as well as the rights of minorities and other fundamental freedoms. Turkey was the main topic of discussion at the Gymnich on 28 April,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am continuing to consider, on an ongoing basis, if and when recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, in advance of its actual achievement on the ground, could play a helpful part in advancing a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There are many varied factors bearing on this question. They include the likely impact of such a move on the peace process, the possible...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Prisoners Abroad (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: This consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and very substantial resources and time are being devoted to it. The Government has been doing everything possible to secure this citizen’s release. We have supported petitions for him to be returned to Ireland under Egyptian Law 140; we have appealed for him to be released under the Egyptian President’s...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together. I have repeatedly voiced my serious concerns about the deteriorating situation in Turkey, including its impact on the lives of the Kurdish population. The increasing tensions in the south-east of the country are deeply troubling, and I am also gravely concerned at the mounting threat to civil society by breaches of human rights and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I most recently met with the European Parliament’s Brexit Coordinator, Guy Verhofstadt, in Brussels on 9 February. This meeting formed part of the Government’s continued programme of extensive engagement with EU partners to emphasise Ireland’s unique set of priorities with regard to Brexit. The meeting with Mr. Verhofstadt provided an opportunity to take stock on key...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: I am keenly aware of the deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain, which I have remarked on in this House several times of late. I have noted that this deterioration has particularly targeted those who express dissent or criticism of the Bahraini Government. Ireland attaches a high priority to safeguarding human rights defenders, and has continually advocated for freedom for civil...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Functions (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Established under the Good Friday Agreement, the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has played a key role in developing consultation, cooperation, and action on the island of Ireland on matters of mutual interest and within the competence of the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. My Department works closely with the Department of the Taoiseach in regard to NSMC matters and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The level of threats and attacks against human rights defenders in Colombia to date this year, as well as against members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is a matter of great concern. The situation is being closely monitored by officials in my Department and by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia. I reiterate that I unreservedly condemn any...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Commission on the Status of Women (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland has close economic ties with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia represents a significant market for Ireland. Total bilateral trade was worth approximately €1.96 billion in 2015, with the balance, €1.6 billion, greatly in Ireland’s favour. Total trade in goods in 2016 was worth €840,729, of which exports accounted for €821 million, with medical and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The target turnaround time for Passport Express renewal applications is 15 working days. The target is currently being met despite large volumes of applications. It has been in place for over a year and is communicated very clearly in all An Post promotional materials and on my Department’s website as well as in public communications. My Department also keeps An Post apprised of any...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Dublin-Monaghan Bombings (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Dealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland are of the utmost importance to me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, with specific reference to implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin Monaghan bombings. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Commission on the Status of Women (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: There are numerous elections across a range of bodies at the UN on an ongoing basis. Membership of these bodies is an important aspect of Member State engagement at the UN and many view participation in these bodies as part of their responsibilities as UN members. UN bodies have differing rules of procedure governing elections, and it is necessary for Member States to follow these rules....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Relations (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: The Government actively seeks to expand and develop trade with Israel, as it does with other trading partners around the world. Trade with other countries is not an optional activity, nor a reward for good behaviour by other governments. It is the means by which the jobs and livelihoods of the Irish people are supported, and the goods and raw materials which we need are obtained. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is determined to ensure that all aspects of the Agreement are fully respected through the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, and thereafter. Our priority is to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement and the overall integrity of the settlement is not in any way disturbed by the UK’s exit from the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Court of Justice Rulings (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland categorises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing Territory. Ireland supports the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, but does not have a view on the outcome of that decision – be it independence, integration, autonomy, or some other solution – so long as it is decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination. Ireland has taken careful...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Terrorism (30 May 2017)

Charles Flanagan: Let me first reiterate my absolute horror at the callous attack on the people of Manchester and the United Kingdom last Monday night. On Tuesday I spoke with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and conveyed the heartfelt sympathy of the people of Ireland for our nearest neighbours. I also visited the British Embassy in Dublin to sign the Book of Condolences there, as did President Higgins and...