Results 16,101-16,120 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Turkey is facing a very difficult and challenging situation, not least following the horrific bombing in Ankara on 10 October. It faces internal and external challenges. It is an extremely important partner of the European Union, in particular, as we frame our collective response to the current migrant crisis. The Turkish elections held earlier this week which followed the inconclusive...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: It is important the international community continues to exhort, influence and advocate, in so far as it can, continued encouragement for the two-state solution. I believe it is important in the first instance that measures be taken to de-escalate the violent activity in Jerusalem and the region. The expansion of the settlements continues to narrow the window of possibility of bringing...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: However, the cost of abandoning the two-state solution will not be borne by the international community alone but by all Israelis and all Palestinians and it, of course, remains the best hope for the future of politics in the region.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The appalling attack on the peace rally in Ankara on 10 October, in which 102 people lost their lives and many more suffered serious injuries, was shocking to us all. I wish to reiterate my condemnation of this attack, which the Turkish authorities believe was carried out by individuals linked to Islamic State. In a statement, I expressed my condolences to the families of the deceased, to...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: It is important that every effort be made on the part of politicians both in the region and on the international stage to ensure there is a meaningful process, without which people on both extremes resort to violence. It is important, in the first instance, that a measure of respect be shown to the status quoon the matter of holy places and sites. Full respect must be restored and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I have not been to Cairo in recent times. However, on my visit to Cairo last year I certainly had an opportunity to raise the issue. As recently as 1 p.m. this afternoon I had the opportunity of direct engagement on the issue. On the specific issue the Deputy raised regarding the international journalist, it is very clear to me from all the contacts I have made and from studying the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Middle East Peace Process (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I have long warned of the danger of a peace process which is effectively in suspension and not visible on the ground. As I have previously reported to the House, I have consistently argued in the Foreign Affairs Council that the EU needs to retain a focus on the conflict in Israel and Palestine, and to do more. I am encouraged that High Representative, Federica Mogherini, has shared my...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the Deputy that the Government has formally supported several applications that have been made by lawyers acting for and on behalf of this citizen for his release on bail and under a presidential decree. As an example of our ongoing interest in and commitment to this case, within the past hour I spoke at length to my colleague, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Mr. Sameh Shoukry. I...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I confirm that as far as Ireland and the Irish Government are concerned, a negotiated two-state solution is our goal. It has been for some time and continues to be. It also continues to be the objective of the European Union. With particular reference to the settlements, the EU has consistently asserted that they are illegal and has condemned their continued expansion and all policies...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I thank the Deputy for asking this question. It is one in which I have taken a very active role since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade last year. Significant resources in Cairo and in Dublin continue to be deployed in the provision of comprehensive consular assistance to this citizen. The key focus of our extensive engagement on this complex and sensitive case remains...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Many of us have seen the most disturbing video clips in recent times of civilians on both sides being killed. Some Israeli citizens have been murdered in clearly sectarian attacks. A greater number of Palestinian civilians have been killed, many of whom have not been directly involved in any attacks. There are also concerns that so many of the attackers, despite lacking firearms, were shot...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: It is important that all parties under the facilitation of the two Governments commit themselves to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. I am listening closely to what the Deputy has said in that regard. Let me assure the House that it was always the intention that the current round of talks would be focused and intensive. There is no doubt that in recent days the talks...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Foreign Conflicts (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The clearly deteriorating situation in Palestine and east Jerusalem, which is now spreading to other areas, is a matter of very great concern. The main factors are the operation of policies on the ground intended to push Palestinians out of Jerusalem in favour of settlers, the absence of any political process which might promise an end to this situation and, among Palestinians, the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The recent assessment report makes for sober reading. It states that all the main paramilitary groups operating during the period of the Troubles remain in existence, including the provisional IRA and a number of loyalist groups and organisations. The assessment adds that the structures of the provisional IRA remain in existence, but in a much reduced form, and that the leadership of the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Following the request by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, and I, together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, facilitated a return of the five main parties in Northern Ireland to round table talks. The talks resumed in round table format on 21 September and are continuing...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Sustainable Development Goals (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: At the end of September, the Taoiseach led the Irish delegation to the UN Summit in New York which formally adopted a new global development agenda. This includes a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets which will guide actions in all countries to eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable development over the next fifteen years. President Higgins and my colleague Minister...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Syrian Conflict (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Syrian crisis is first and foremost a tragedy for the Syrian people. Ending the catastrophe which has befallen Syria, and which has imposed enormous burdens on the States neighbouring Syria is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, and the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours. I welcome the announcement on Friday of the understandings by...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: It is a matter of public record that collusion occurred during the Troubles between British State forces and paramilitaries. Successive Irish Governments, in our ongoing bilateral relations and through the European Court of Human Rights at Strasbourg, have raised the issue of collusion with the British Government. We continue to do so, including in relation to a number of individual...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Trade Strategy (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I warmly welcomed the announcement earlier this year by my colleague, Minister Paschal Donohoe, T.D., and Mr. Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, of the ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ tourism offering. Ireland has a rich archaeological heritage that is worthy of being celebrated and shared with the world. The Embassy network works closely with Tourism Ireland and its...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (3 Nov 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Taoiseach and I, together with Minister of State Sherlock, met with Senator Gary Hart, the US Secretary of State’s Personal Representative, in Dublin on 14 October, to discuss the political situation in Northern Ireland. It was a valuable opportunity to hear the Senator’s impressions of the ongoing talks following his meetings that day and the previous day with the leaders...