Results 17,341-17,360 of 21,096 for speaker:Charles Flanagan

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: UN Resolutions (18 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: The UN Special Committee on Decolonization approved its most recent resolution on the question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) in June 2014, expressing its regret that, in spite of widespread international support for negotiation between the two Governments (Argentina and the United Kingdom), implementation of General Assembly resolutions on the question had not started. The Governments...

Other Questions: Defence Forces Recruitment (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I ask the Minister for a breakdown of his plans for new recruitment in the Defence Forces, including the Permanent Defence Force, Reserve Defence Force, Air Corps and Naval Service. Are there any plans for new apprentices and agency staff? Can he also comment on revising the 21-year limit for members of the Defence Forces who are willing and able to continue in service?

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Issues (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I participated in the meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in August and October which agreed conclusions condemning atrocities by terrorist groups targeting religious minorities in both Syria and Iraq. The violence and terror which is being perpetrated by extremists such as ISIS on all Iraqi and Syrian citizens is utterly reprehensible, including as it does the deliberate targeting of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 219 on 14 October (38848/14), which was as follows:“Ireland supports the full achievement of a Palestinian state. We believe this should happen soon. Our policies are designed to be supportive of the negotiated comprehensive peace agreement which we believe is fundamental to the achievement of this objective. I believe substantive political...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: In the months since taking up my position as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, a significant portion of my time and effort has been dedicated to advancing the peace and reconciliation agenda on this island. To that end, on 16 October the Irish and British Government opened political talks, bringing together the Northern Ireland Executive Parties, in order to address a number of key...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Marine Accidents (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: This file was transferred to the National Archives by my Department under the provisions of the National Archives Act 1986. The file number is DFA/5/306/324 and the file name is ‘Spanish fishing trawler “Mardomingo B”, lost off the Cork Kerry Coast Oct. 1956’. This file was not restricted and its contents are therefore available for any member of the public to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Consular Services Provision (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: As has been advised in previous correspondence, this case is currently under consideration in the United Arab Emirates’ legal system. As such, my Department is restricted in what it can appropriately do and it may be more helpful for the family to seek expert advice from their lawyers. Nevertheless, officials of my department both in Dublin and at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, will...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ministerial Dialogue (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: This has been, and will remain, a key priority for the Government in our bilateral relationship with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we are working closely with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond towards achieving some relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States and improved channels...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland Issues (13 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 to 193, inclusive, together. A number of elements of the Good Friday Agreement and St Andrews Agreement have not yet been fully implemented. This has recently been discussed at the political talks in Belfast convened by the Irish and British Governments, which began on 16 October. Among the outstanding commitments are the establishment of a North-South...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East Issues (12 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together. Ireland has been actively involved in the negotiation of the package of resolutions dealing with the Occupied Palestinian Territories which are annually discussed at the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly itself. Through our Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, Irish...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I would be happy to do so.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: The second question comes under the remit of the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I am also conscious of members who asked questions but who are not here to listen to the answers.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I thank the Chairman and those members who stayed for the meeting.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I would be happy to take it. The situation regarding the Colombian peace process is being monitored by my officials in the Department. Ireland is fully supportive of the process and is ready to assist in any way we can. Deputy Byrne asked that I would intervene by way of offering support. The Deputy can be assured that while I will not intervene, we are available to give of our expertise...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I am sure, but it will not be a question of intervening-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: Should any invitation be sought-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: -----I am sure it will receive appropriate consideration. Deputy Crowe mentioned the Ibrahim Halawa case. I do not wish to go into detail other than to state that we are continuously monitoring the situation. I have been to Cairo. Our ambassador is actively engaged. Our wish is that this boy be freed to come home to resume his studies. I have met the family on a number of occasions and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I do not wish to reply by way of oral answer but I will send him a note.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Update on Foreign Affairs and Trade Issues: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (11 Nov 2014)

Charles Flanagan: I will do that. On immigration reform, I know the Chairman had active engagement when he visited the United States during the summer. Now that the elections have taken place the situation is such that if there is an initiative it is most likely it will be by way of Executive action on the part of the President. I visited Washington in September and had a conversation with the White House...