Results 16,601-16,620 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Other Questions: Diplomatic Relations (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I would like to make it clear that the Irish Government is opposed to the extraterritorial application of the US legislation in question. We have asserted this on numerous occasions and we will continue to do so. We have already raised the current issues directly with the US. A decision by the US Congress to lift the embargo would of course be welcomed by Ireland. While we do not envisage...

Other Questions: Undocumented Irish in the USA (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The achievement of relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States is a priority for the Government in our contacts with that country. We are continuing to work closely with high-level Government contacts, as well as with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond, through the Irish Embassy in Washington and our consulates throughout the US. All of this...

Other Questions: Diplomatic Relations (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Secretary General of my Department, Mr. Burgess, visited Havana for talks last month and, as noted, signed a memorandum on the establishment of a mechanism for political consultations. This will provide a useful structure for official level dialogue on international issues in the future. I warmly welcome the historic decision by President Obama and by President Castro on the...

Other Questions: Diplomatic Relations (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Officials in my Department have consulted widely with other Departments on this issue and also with the Central Bank. In so far as the issue of extraterritorial application of US law is appropriate, we raised the matter in political consultations with the United States and we restated our position. I recognise the limitations on what the US Federal Government can do in this matter, given...

Other Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I would be happy to convey the Deputy's concerns directly to the Secretary of State. I will report back to him following my meeting this evening. I wish to assure the House once again that both Governments commit to full co-operation with all bodies involved. The Deputy mentioned the legislation that will be necessary to establish the historical investigations unit. The legislation is...

Other Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I and my officials continue to monitor the situation with regard to parades very closely, with particular reference to north Belfast. Last year saw the most peaceful marching season in Northern Ireland for many years. I again encourage all stakeholders to build on last year's successful marching season. I do not underestimate the challenge but I believe it can be overcome through dialogue...

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I assure the Deputy that Ireland and our EU partners will continue to encourage a resumption of the meaningful dialogue with the Chinese Government and other representatives. It is important, while acknowledging and respecting the territorial integrity of China, that we also encourage the Chinese authorities to respect at all times the rights of all persons belonging to minorities and their...

Other Questions: Northern Ireland Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: We are now entering an important point in the implementation process of the Stormont House Agreement. A number of target dates over a range of the areas included in the agreement will arise in the weeks ahead. To achieve these will require a concerted effort and an intensive political investment from the Northern Ireland Executive, from the UK Government and from the Irish Government. ...

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: We will continue to raise our concerns on these issues with our European partners. A united EU voice of 28 member states is more appropriate in many circumstances than the voice of one country. Having said that, I personally raised concerns regarding persecution on the basis of religion or belief when I addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last March. Ireland raised these same...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Overseas Development Aid (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The parameters of a useful agreement at Addis Ababa would need to be broad if they are to support the new sustainable development goals, which we hope will be adopted in New York in September. These goals are universal in nature and will be implemented by all countries. It is essential, therefore, that all contribute to a successful outcome to the finance and development conference in Addis...

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The Government follows events in Tibet and the Xinjiang Uighur region on a very close basis. Ireland, together with EU partners, believes that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet and to reach a solution that respects Tibetan culture, language, religion and identity. It is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Overseas Development Aid (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: This year, we are working for global agreement in three major international conferences on sustainable development. The conferences are interlinked. They are on financing for development, in Addis Ababa in July, on a new framework for global development at the United Nations in New York in September and on a new climate change agreement in Paris in December. The aim is to deliver a new and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Overseas Development Aid (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to assure the Deputy and the House that the Government will be represented by a Minister at the conference in Addis Ababa. Ireland has a proud record of attendance at these conferences and of influencing the outcomes of many international fora. The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, has the lead on tax issues. My Department works closely with the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: EU Membership (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The matter of the EU-UK relationship is a strategic priority for the Government because we believe British membership of the EU is fundamental to Ireland's interests on a variety of levels, not least those evidenced by Deputy Smith. It now seems clear there will be a referendum, most likely in 2017, and that means our focus must intensity. The UK knows how much we value its presence in the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: EU Membership (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: It seems that there are three issues upon which this debate will pivot. The first is the area the British Government describes as over-regulation. The second is the matter of immigration, workers rights and labour law. The third is the role of national parliaments. No formal plans have been presented and, therefore, we are not yet in a position to outline the precise approach we will...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: EU Membership (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: The debate in the United Kingdom regarding its relationship with the European Unionis followed extremely closely by the Government. That focus will now only intensify following the recent general election in Britain and Prime Minister Cameron’s commitment to holding a referendum on the country’s EU membership by 2017. My Government colleagues and I have been clear in voicing...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I am pleased that the Deputy acknowledges the statement in our One World, One Future document. I agree with Deputy O'Sullivan that during the consultation period we should ensure we avail of the opportunity that will ultimately result in a robust regime. We are in the process of consulting with other Departments on the outline and content of our plan. An interdepartmental working group has...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: As I mentioned, our document commits to the implementation by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Africa Strategy, which underlines the need to respond to requests from our African partners from time to time to development a more rounded relationship. This includes economic ties as well as a more intensified political relationship with our bilateral partners. As Deputy...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Good Friday Agreement (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: I wish to assure the House of my continued and intensive interest on the matter of any proposed or potential changes to the Human Rights Act. The Deputy mentioned the Conservative Party manifesto, but beyond the manifesto pledge, which promises to protect the basic rights such as the right to a fair trial and the right to life, it is unclear at this stage what is envisaged by the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Human Rights Issues (19 May 2015)

Charles Flanagan: Our aid programme is focused on some of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. It is recognised internationally for its effectiveness and for its strong partnership with African Governments and communities. Recent years have seen strong economic growth in many African countries, which presents trade opportunities for Ireland and Irish companies. Many of our African partners are keen...