Results 1,741-1,760 of 40,897 for speaker:Simon Coveney

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: United Nations (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I am familiar with it because we supported it. We were one of the few EU countries to do so. I believe we were one of only five. Others either abstained or voted against it. I wish to convey my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed or injured in the tragic fire in the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza a few days ago. Turning to the Deputy’s question, I...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and I am deeply concerned by the recent reports that the Iranian Government has sentenced a number of people to death for their involvement in the ongoing protests. Ireland has consistently raised our concerns around the high number of executions in Iran, including though the Universal Periodic Review process at the Human...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Since the further invasion of Ukraine in February, Ireland has been steadfast in its support for the Government and people of Ukraine, and we continue to be today. It is crucial that international law is respected and Ireland has been to the forefront of efforts at the United Nations to hold Russia accountable and to bring an end to the war in Ukraine as soon as possible. We have been...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: This is a horrific war. We may have seen up to 250,000 people killed already, and perhaps 200,000 of those have been military personnel on both sides. It is hard to know what the figure is in respect of civilian losses, but it could be anything between 40,000 and 60,000 people, or maybe more. This is horrific. We know the brutality with which civilians have been treated because we have,...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I can understand the sentiment behind the call for closing the Russian Embassy here and the expulsion of the Russian ambassador. I can understand this anger and frustration when we see images daily of civilians and infrastructure being targeted and homes, apartment complexes, shopping centres and hospitals having been targeted and hit with missiles, drones etc. I understand that sentiment,...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: When Ireland sought a seat at the UN Security Council, we did so with the intention of using our position to amplify the voices of small countries and with a commitment to upholding the rules-based international order. During our time on the Council, we have upheld these commitments and used our membership to hold Russia accountable and to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I have strongly condemned the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh and have repeatedly called for a thorough independent investigation. I am aware of the recent decision taken by the United States authorities and the reaction to this by the Israeli Government. I also note the statements which have been made by the Palestinian Authority and by Ms Abu Akleh’s family welcoming this decision. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Earlier this month, the Passport Service issued its 1 millionth passport of 2022. This represents the first time in the history of the State that over one million passports have been issued in a calendar year. This  surpasses its previous busiest ever year, 2019, when 935,000 passports were issued.  The Passport Service issued 634,107 passports in 2021.  Thanks to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 99, 101, 110, 116 and 139 together. The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent implementation agreements is an issue of the utmost priority for this Government. It is of paramount importance that the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are allowed to function. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Sports Events (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Qatari government has maintained that ‘all fans will be welcome’ at the World Cup, and I urge for this promise to be upheld. I was very disappointed by the recent comments of a Qatari World Cup ambassador, which referred to homosexuality as ‘damage in the mind’. These comments are not reflective of the inclusive and global event that a World Cup should be...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Official Engagements (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Foreign Affairs Council most recently met in Brussels on 14 November. This was the tenth formal meeting of the Council since the beginning of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine and we again discussed coordination of the EU’s collective response. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, updated the Council on Ukraine’s current priorities and needs. The...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Departmental Meetings (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Ireland Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-25, which I launched last year with the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, commits to exchange learning on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, including on legislating for sustainable development from Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015. The position of Future Generations Commissioner was...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to closely engage with the company and communities in Colombia referred to in the Deputy’s question. We will continue to engage with all parties to gain a deeper understanding of this highly complex situation and to support inclusive dialogue to resolve the issues at play. As previously outlined, officials from the Embassy of Ireland to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Since the further invasion of Ukraine in February, Ireland has been steadfast in its support for the Government and people of Ukraine, and is committed to continuing to provide vital protection and support. The latest figures show that some 64,000 Ukrainians have registered in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to date. Ireland has been providing support to Ukraine both...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 102 and 118 together. Earlier this month, the Passport Service issued its 1 millionth passport of 2022. This represents the first time in the history of the State that over one million passports have been issued in a calendar year. The Passport Service has surpassed its previous busiest ever year, 2019, when 935,000 passports were issued. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Ukraine War (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: The EU has imposed the most significant sanctions in its history in response to the situation in Ukraine. While the majority of these sanctions have been imposed on the Russian Federation, action has also been taken in respect of third countries who have provided support for the illegal actions taken, namely Belarus and Iran. With regard to Iran, on 20 October, the EU adopted additional...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to question 48265/22 on 6th October. The Government position remains unchanged. I have been clear in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Programme for...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Demand for passports from Northern Ireland remains steady, equating to about 10% of total applications received by the Passport Service. 87% of applicants from Northern Ireland this year have applied through Passport Online and that figure will continue to grow as the Passport Service's Digital First media and communications strategy is rolled out in the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Child Protection (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: Ireland participated in the UN Security Council Open Debate on 19th July 2022 following the release of the annual report by the UN Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict.  The Secretary General's report examines both trends and specific country situations, listing all armed groups that recruit and use children.  In our statement, Ireland expressed dismay at the high...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (22 Nov 2022)

Simon Coveney: I have noted the result of the recent elections to the Knesset in Israel. The process of government formation is ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment on this process. Ireland will urge the new Israeli government to prioritise making meaningful progress towards a two-State solution in line with the relevant UN resolutions, international law and the agreed parameters.