Results 15,841-15,860 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (19 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I share the concerns about the detention of this man, who was arrested on 21 November and given a six-month Administrative Detention order on 20 December, after a month of questioning. The subjects of these orders are given no indication of the allegations or concerns for which they are being detained. This person has been on hunger strike, reportedly taking only water, since 25 November,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services Provision (19 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together. My Department has three offices in Australia, the Embassy, which is located in Canberra, a Consulate-General in Sydney and an Honorary Consulate in Perth. The Embassy and Consulates meet regularly with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and with the Australian Border Force (ABF) on all visa-related issues affecting...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Emigrant Support Services (19 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish.The focus of the Emigrant Support Programme is on initiatives that: -address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants; -enhance access...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Public Sector Staff Grades (19 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: All civil servants in my Department with the requisite skills and experience are eligible to apply for internal promotion competitions irrespective of their grade. Since the change in eligibility rules for promotion came into effect in December 2013, one Clerical Officer has been promoted to Higher Executive Officer. No Executive Officer has been promoted to Assistant Principal Officer.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Quality and Qualifications Ireland Accreditation (14 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Many skilled electricians, and other qualified people, have moved from Ireland to work in Canada over the past few years. The high standards of training of these Irish skilled people are recognised by Canadian employers who have actively recruited in Ireland in recent years. As is true for all skilled people who did not receive their trade qualifications in Canada, it is currently the case...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (14 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade I have engaged extensively on this citizen’s case with my Egyptian counterpart, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sameh Shoukry, and with Egypt’s Ambassador to Ireland, Ms. Soha Gendi. The Taoiseach has also directly engaged on this case at the highest-level with the Egyptian President, Mr Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Furthermore,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diplomatic Representation (14 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: My Department is aware of this tragic case and provided consular assistance to the family at the time. The Embassy in Madrid has made enquiries with the Spanish authorities and has been informed that the criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths has closed. However the family may still have the option of pursuing a civil legal action in relation to the case and,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The welfare of this citizen remains a key priority for me and my Department. All our actions are in support of our twin objectives of securing his release at the earliest opportunity, and caring for his welfare while he remains in detention. To that end, Embassy officials undertake regular and frequent consular visits with this citizen and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 715 to 717, inclusive, together. On 27 October 2015, Ireland and the other Member States of the European Union voted in favour of Cuba’s resolution at the UN General Assembly in New York calling for the ending of the US economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. Our view is that following the welcome restoration of US-Cuba diplomatic...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Appointments to State Boards (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I have not nominated any individual to serve in a position carrying remuneration, other than out of pocket expenses, in a semi-State organisation or organisation of the type referred to by the Deputy since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in July 2014.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Aid (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: Over the next five years, Ireland will contribute €3 million to the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Stability and Addressing Root Causes of Irregular Migration and Displaced Persons in Africa. Respect for Human Rights is central to the objectives of the Fund, recognising that human rights abuses are themselves a root cause of irregular migration. The Final Declaration agreed by all...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The protection and promotion of human rights has long been a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy. Our membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council (2013 to 2015) afforded us the opportunity to underline and reinforce that commitment at the very heart of the global human rights’ machinery. Respect for human rights is also fundamental to the EU’s foreign policy. Since...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Immigration Policy (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: As part of its comprehensive approach to addressing the Migration crisis the EU has been deepening its engagement with third countries in its neighbourhood. This recognises the fact that the majority of migrants entering the EU in recent months transit such third countries. In an increasingly interconnected world, all countries are mutually reliant on each other as regards effective migration...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Applications (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Passports Act, 2008 (the Act) requires that each person who is a guardian of a child must provide his/her consent to the issue of a passport to his/her child. In the vast majority of cases the witnessed consent of parents or legal guardians is given on the application form. This record is sufficient to meet the consent requirements of the Act. However, there are cases where only one...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The information as requested by the Deputy on the number of annual subscriptions to external membership bodies and groups made by my Department, including the cost and details, is set out in the table below: Name of Organisation Details Annual subscription fee in 2015 € Institute of Public Administration Governance Forum The Governance Forum is a network providing events and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Expenditure (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: In 2015, the Department’s Library spent €208,537 on subscriptions to 82 print and online newspapers and magazines for headquarters and Missions abroad. The Department has a network of 80 Diplomatic, Consular and other offices overseas. Missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy interests, including representing and advancing...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Advertising Expenditure (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28: Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Vote 27: International Cooperation. There are no agencies under the aegis of my Department. Advertising undertaken by my Department relates mainly to notification of changes to passport and consular fees, public office opening hours, and occasional notices concerning...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services Provision (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 726 and 727 together. Irish Embassies, Missions and representatives overseas stand ready to assist Irish citizens, in line with our consular policy, when assistance is requested. In this instance we do not have any record of being contacted by this citizen upon his arrest. The Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi was made aware of the deportation of this Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 728 and 729 together. I am firmly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and Ireland works for its suspension and abolition around the world. We have expressed concern about its increased use of late in a number of countries, including the recent cases in Saudi Arabia which I condemn without reservation. The abolition of the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Living Wage (13 Jan 2016)

Charles Flanagan: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s public procurement activity involves the acquisition of services, supplies, goods and works. Open public procurement procedures are used to engage external contractors to provide non-core services involving ICT, programme administration and general services. The Department meets its statutory obligations relating to minimum pay by...