Results 16,061-16,080 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (19 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together. While the circumstances around this event are unclear, I am very concerned about such an operation taking place in a hospital and there are clearly questions to be answered in that regard. In the present tense and dangerous circumstances in the area, I have made clear that any security actions need to be proportionate and carefully...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Data Protection (19 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: My Department has not introduced any such legislation since 1 January 2000 to date.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (19 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: With regard to staff of my Department, the calculation and payment of superannuation benefits is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Staff of the former Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO) were integrated into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2003. Two former APSO staff and a spouse of a deceased APSO staff member are in receipt of public sector...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (18 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I can confirm that Minister Fitzgerald raised the case with the Egyptian Foreign Minister at the Valletta Summit on Migration that took place last week.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (17 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I assume the Deputy refers to the recent elections in Turkey, when President Erdoğan’s AKP party was returned with an overall majority. I last met with President Erdoğan when I visited Turkey earlier this year in the context of the centenary commemorations at Gallipoli, when the warm relationship between Ireland and Turkey was recalled. As I have said previously in this...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Terrorism (17 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: It was with great shock and sadness that I learned about the tragic loss of so many lives in the terrible air disaster over the Sinai Peninsula on 31 October. The Taoiseach has written to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to convey the sympathies of the Government and the Irish people. I would also like to express again my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and their loved...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Israeli Settlements (17 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The guidance on indications of origin of settlement produce adopted by the European Commission on 11 November has been produced in response to requests by myself and other Ministers over some time, and I therefore welcome its appearance. The guidance does not change the regulations in force, but draws the attention of importers and retailers to the simple fact that Israeli settlements in the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: North South Ministerial Council (17 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ministers from the Government and from the Northern Ireland Executive meet regularly to discuss matters of mutual interest within the agreed sectors of co-operation. I understand, therefore, that aspects of biosecurity, including plant life and health, food safety, the protection of the environment and the control of invasive species have been discussed within the Council by the relevant...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (17 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland and its EU partners oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, and work for its suspension and abolition around the world. Abolition of the death penalty has been one of Ireland’s priorities at the United Nations. I have noted with concern the increased use of the death penalty in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia. In conjunction with our EU partners, our...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services Provision (17 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: My Department is aware of the case of this Irish citizen who is currently detained in Low Moss Prison, Glasgow. Officials in our Consulate General in Edinburgh have written to the individual earlier this month offering consular assistance, and await a response.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Union Membership (17 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I welcome Prime Minister Cameron’s letter of 10 November to the President of the European Council, Mr. Donald Tusk, in which he provided further details of his government’s EU reform agenda. This represents an important step forward and we now look forward to working with the UK Government and our 26 other EU partners in securing an agreement that will hopefully help ensure...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services Provision (12 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been providing consular assistance to the Irish citizen and his family through the Embassy of Ireland in Singapore, the Honorary Consul in Manila and the Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin and we are in ongoing direct contact with the family. In October, during a visit to the Philippines, an Embassy official raised the case with the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Public Investment Projects (11 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: My Department has responsibility for two Votes (Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 – Foreign Affairs and Trade) and neither Vote has a large volume of capital expenditure. In 2014, total capital expenditure under Vote 27 was €0.31m and all related to expenditure overseas in priority Programme Countries for Irish Aid. Under Vote 28, a total of €5.167m was...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: European Council Meetings (11 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: In my replies to Questions last week, I listed a number of measures that were needed to try to stop the recent deterioration. These included clear and positive action by local leaders; security measures that were proportionate and even-handed; a response that went beyond just security; refraining from provocative words and actions, and making clear that the status quo in the Holy Places would...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Awards to Irish Citizens (10 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The reference in Article 40.2.2oof the Constitution to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as only referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign state in question, to use prefixes to their names such as...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (10 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Ireland does not take a position on the respective claims and underlying sovereignty issues driving this matter. However, we are concerned at the potential for a dangerous escalation of tensions in the area in question. Our strong wish is to see these differences resolved peacefully, and in accordance with international law.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (10 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Turkish elections held earlier this week followed the inconclusive result in June and took place in a particularly difficult and sensitive context. Turkey is facing a very difficult and challenging situation, including as host to over 2 million refugees mainly from the conflict in neighbouring Syria and following the horrific bombing in Ankara on 10 October. It faces internal and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (10 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Irish Embassy in Hanoi, which is accredited to Myanmar, is aware of this case. Ireland has raised this case with the EU Delegation in Yangon. The EU Delegation has been monitoring this case, and will continue to do so. Ireland has long been an advocate of human rights defenders, including throughout our current membership of the Human Rights Council. We strongly support the central...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Treaties (10 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: In a referendum held on 9 February 2014, Swiss citizens voted by a very narrow margin to accept a proposal to introduce quotas and restrictions on migrants, the vast majority of whom are EU nationals. The limits will apply to all work and residency permits issued to foreign nationals, including cross-border commuters and asylum seekers. The referendum text did not specify at what levels the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Staff Allowances (10 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Rent ceilings currently paid to officers serving the State at a number of locations in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe are set out below. The relative size of the properties rented varies according to family size. While most officers travel accompanied by their families, in some cases officers travel unaccompanied by their spouse/partners and children, or are accompanied by some family...