Results 1,441-1,460 of 45,495 for speaker:Simon Harris

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: When is the Deputy going to stop distorting the record of this Government? I know what he will do. He will put up a little clip and cut it to show how he shouted at the Taoiseach and said we are doing nothing for the people in Palestine.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: I say to the people watching those clips that they should know this. This country is leading at a European level in standing up for Palestine, international law and human rights. This country is now going to take further action on this. I think there is a bit of the Deputy that is frustrated and upset that we have offered to constructively work with the Opposition in how we move this...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: We are as outraged about human rights breaches in international law. However, we condemn all people who breach international law. The Deputy still refuses to condemn Iran and does not believe that Israel has a right to live in peace and security.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: If we could measure empathy and compassion in decibels, I would not win and Deputy Boyd Barrett would, but the reality is he does not have a monopoly on concern for the people of Palestine. He certainly does not have a monopoly on concern for our peacekeeping troops, something I am updated on several times a day. We are in constant contact with our peacekeepers and keeping them safe is the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: I am sorry, but I am answering the charge that the Deputy puts on a constant basis, shouting and roaring.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: While the Deputy is shouting and roaring, we are acting and the President of Palestine knows it, the ambassador-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: Now the cacophony.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: Go raibh míle agat.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: I will answer the questions exactly, but I will answer them as I see fit.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: I am not going to accept the charge that this Government is not taking action in relation to calling out breaches of international law, standing up for human rights, supporting the people of Palestine, recognising the State of Palestine and supporting our peacekeepers. Quite frankly, I find it stomach-churning to hear Deputy Boyd Barrett suggesting we do not do that because that is...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: Political leaders across Europe are well behind the people on this matter. The reality is that Europe should be doing more. Let me be clear about the United States. It is in no doubt at all about the position of the people and Government of Ireland about Gaza, Palestine and the need for a ceasefire and a two-state solution. I share the Deputy's view passionately and at every meeting I...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising the most important situation at the moment in terms of the horrific humanitarian catastrophe, breach of international law and war crimes that are being committed. Tomorrow, I will attend a meeting of the European Union with the gulf states and on Thursday I will attend a meeting of the European Council where I will engage in detail with EU partners on the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: That is true.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: Please do.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: I smiled supportively there because definitely Cara does not need the Deputy or me to speak for her.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: She has been very clear and been able to speak to me directly, and I have appreciated those engagements, blunt and frank as they have been. She is an incredible young woman. What I would say directly to Jaden's mum Ciara - I would be very happy to engage with Deputy McDonald further on this - is that we have a pathway now to make significant progress on assessments of needs. It is not just...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, an issue that I know is close to all our hearts and indeed all our priorities. I note the Sinn Féin Private Members' motion on the matter this week, which applies an appropriate degree of focus to this very important issue. We have taken a number of steps in recent weeks alone to try to make significant progress in the lives of...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Reviews (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: The Department of the Taoiseach’s purpose is to help the Taoiseach and the Government to ensure a sustainable economy and a successful society, to pursue Ireland’s interests abroad, to implement the Government’s Programme and to build a better future for Ireland and all her citizens. The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Public Inquiries (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: A comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic. It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type event were to occur. It will include a consideration of the...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Staff (15 Oct 2024)

Simon Harris: The business unit in the Department of the Taoiseach whose function specifically relates to communications is the Government Information Service (GIS). The staff assigned to GIS come under the management of the Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services Division, while respecting the role of the Government Press Secretary and the Deputy Government Press Secretaries in day-to-day management of...