Results 15,081-15,100 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Priority Questions: Human Rights (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I share the Deputy's concern in so far as I acknowledge and reaffirm that the European Convention on Human Rights is a vital element of the peace process. The protection of human rights in Northern Ireland law, specifically incorporating the convention, is one of the key principles underpinning the Good Friday Agreement. The Agreement is clear that there is an obligation to incorporate the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Appointments to State Boards (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: That is not fair.

Priority Questions: Brexit Issues (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The organisation and membership of UK cabinet committee structures for leaving the European Union is a matter solely for the UK Government. Our Government has made clear that the matter of Northern Ireland and the peace process is a top priority in our approach to the UK departure from the European Union. I and my Cabinet colleagues will be working with a range of stakeholders, including...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: There were lots of questions. Do the Deputies want answers?

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on the 17th of October where together with my EU colleagues I called on Russia to demonstrate all efforts to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition. This is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North-South Ministerial Council (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The next Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) will be held on 18th November in Armagh. I expect that we will have a further substantive discussion with our Northern Ireland colleagues on the implications of the UK referendum result. The agenda will also cover discussions on economic and financial matters, as well as a range of other issues including the North West...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Embassy of Ireland in Ankara is accredited on a non-residential basis to Iran. Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul. The configuration and scale of the State's diplomatic and consular network is kept under ongoing review by the Government. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our national...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Aid (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The agreement reached between the EU and Turkey in March in response to the migration crisis and the loss of lives in the Aegean Sea included the establishment of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. Its aim is to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees in Turkey and to bring about long term sustainable improvements in their health, education and self-reliance. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Since the outset of the Syrian conflict, Ireland has consistently supported a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political resolution to the conflict. The Syrian people must have the freedom to exercise their rights, including the democratic right to choose their own national leaders. These principles – set out clearly in Geneva in 2012 – have guided my interventions on Syria in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Immigration Policy (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 41 and 43 together. I am of course aware of recent developments surrounding the refugee camp at Calais, and in particular the plight of unaccompanied minors living there. The camp at Calais does not fall under the EU relocation or resettlement decisions that Ireland has opted into and therefore the people in Calais are not eligible for the Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid Provision (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The conflict in Syria is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our generation. Since 2012, Ireland has provided a total of €62 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region. At present, it is Ireland's largest response to any humanitarian crisis. Of the €20 million in funding provided by Ireland so far in 2016, €14 million has been delivered through the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Controls (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I am aware of the interview referred to by the Deputy and of the 2010 episode to which he also refers. The use of forged Irish passports by Israel was firmly dealt with by the Government of the day. Following the murder in Dubai of Mahmoud Al Mahbouh in 2010, a strong protest and condemnation was conveyed to the Israeli authorities, and an officer of their Embassy in Dublin was expelled....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I have voiced clearly, including in this House, Ireland's concerns over the situation in Syria, and in particular in Aleppo, the including the possible commission of war crimes. Our concerns about Russia's support for the actions of the Assad regime have been communicated directly to the Russian authorities. I have indicated on numerous occasions that my belief that there must be...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Resolutions (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland's concerns about economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba are long-standing and clear. Our opinion is that the embargo serves no constructive purpose. We maintain our view that it is the right of Cuban citizens to decide independently on their future and the Government has been clear on this point in our international contacts. At the same time we have also...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 60 together. At my direction, two senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade formally conveyed Ireland's concerns in relation to the human catastrophe that is unfolding in Syria - and in the city of Aleppo in particular - directly to the Russian Ambassador in the clearest possible terms. Subsequently these concerns were conveyed...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I have called repeatedly for those committing crimes against civilians and humanitarians to be held accountable before the International Criminal Court and I repeat that call. There is an urgent need for a credible and independent investigation into claims made by UN SG Ban and others of war crimes committed in Syria. I continue to press for accountability, both to provide the victims with...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: We have been following the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), closely, together with EU partners. The Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on 17 October adopted Conclusions expressing deep concern at the political situation and condemning the acts of extreme violence that took place on 19 and 20 September. The Conclusions stress that the political crisis in the DRC...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Air Services Provision (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 65 together. While this issue is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government fully supports all efforts to promote and strengthen air transport links between Ireland and the United States. This includes the proposed Norwegian Air International route between Cork...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid Expenditure (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together. The Government has consistently affirmed its strong commitment to Ireland's overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for international development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Court of Human Rights Judgments (25 Oct 2016)

Charles Flanagan: On 2 December 2014, the Government announced its decision to request the European Court of Human Rights to revise its 1978 judgment in the case taken by Ireland against the UK. The request was filed with the Court on 4 December 2014. On the basis of new material uncovered, the Government has contended that the ill-treatment suffered by the Hooded Men should be recognised as torture. The...