Results 1-20 of 4,707 for speaker:Neale Richmond

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Policy (9 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: In line with our current diaspora strategy, the Government is committed to strengthening the ties between Ireland and our communities overseas. In 2023, the Montreal Irish Monument Park Foundation received a grant of $200,000CAD (€138,750) under the Government's Emigrant Support Programme to support the creation of a new commemorative space in Montreal in recognition of the Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Aid (9 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government is firmly committed to Ireland’s international development assistance programme and its overriding priority, to reach the furthest behind first. The latest year for which full statistical detail of our Official Development Assistance (ODA) is available is 2023. Preliminary figures for 2024 will be available in the coming months. In 2023, the top ten recipient countries...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (8 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: I am very concerned at the impact on the civilian population of the continuing appalling violence in Gaza. The Department of Foreign Affairs is not familiar with this particular case and has not received any request for consular assistance, as the individual involved is not an Irish citizen. In February and March, 1,724 patients were evacuated from Gaza for specialised treatment in Egypt and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Humanitarian Aid (3 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday 28 March caused widespread loss of life and destruction. Some 3,000 people have so far been reported killed, and the humanitarian impact continues to grow. The Government announced an immediate package of €6 million in response to the impact of the earthquake and to support people in Myanmar already suffering huge levels of...

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Trade Missions (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: There are no Blueshirts left.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ukraine War (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: This is a key issue when we come to the combined European effort in support of Ukraine. We are being asked to do more for Ukraine by other allies around the world, but not all 27 EU member states are prepared to do that or are pulling their weight. That is why the €250 million allocated to the European PEACE facility is what we want to see developed. It is part of a much wider...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ukraine War (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: I thank Deputy Callaghan for a pertinent question. Needless to say, the Government in its entirety, and most of the House I expect, remain deeply concerned about the situation on the ground in Ukraine where we see Russia is demonstrating a clear desire to continue escalation and conflict. US proposals for a partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea, as well as plans...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ukraine War (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: It is proposed that up to €20 million be provided to the two UDCG coalitions as outlined, both of which Ireland has joined and at which is represented by the Department of Defence. It is proposed €80 million will be allocated to procurement partnerships with other EU member states. As I said, examples of relevant non-lethal supports could include non-lethal elements of air...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where it occurs or who the victims are. This includes where Christians face persecution for exercising the right to practice their faith. We consistently raise issues related to freedom of religion or belief at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diaspora Issues (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government remains committed to deepening our ties with the global Irish and supporting them to build diverse and dynamic communities overseas. We are also aware that everyone’s journey is different and that many will look to return to Ireland at various times. The Programme for Government commits to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for emigrants including those who...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: Since October 2023, Ireland has provided over €72 million in support to the Palestinian people, together with 116 tonnes of relief supplies for people in Gaza. On 2 March the Israeli authorities announced a halt to humanitarian aid entering Gaza. No assistance has been allowed in since then. Aid provided by Ireland is impeded by the same restrictions affecting all humanitarian...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diaspora Issues (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government remains committed to deepening our ties with the global Irish and supporting them to build diverse and dynamic communities overseas. This work is underpinned by the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which is overseen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since it was established in 2004, the ESP has provided over €250 million in grants to more than 900...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Foreign Conflicts (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced conflict over many decades, particularly in the mineral-rich areas of the east of the country. In July 2024, the Africa-led Luanda mediation process resulted in a ceasefire, but in January 2025 the M23 rebels began a major offensive, supported by the Rwanda Defence Force. There have been thousands of killings and huge displacement of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Irish Aid (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: Ireland works globally to support the furthest behind first, focusing the majority of our Official Development Assistance on the worlds Least Developed Countries. Through the Government's principal funding mechanism for large development and humanitarian NGOs, Ireland's Civil Society Partnership for A Better World, Ireland supports Action Aid Ireland’s work in Nepal, which aims to...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diaspora Issues (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government remains committed to supporting Irish people abroad and maintaining strong relationships with the Irish diaspora. Our current diaspora strategy expires at the end of this year. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, work is already underway to develop a new Diaspora Strategy. This will include an extensive consultation process to hear the views of...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diaspora Issues (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government remains committed to deepening our ties with the global Irish and supporting them to build diverse and dynamic communities overseas. This work is underpinned by the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which is overseen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since it was established in 2004, the ESP has provided over €250 million in grants to more than 900...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Diaspora Issues (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Government remains committed to deepening our ties with the global Irish and supporting them to build diverse and dynamic communities overseas. We are also aware that everyone’s journey is different and that many will look to return to Ireland at various times. The Programme for Government commits to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for emigrants including those who...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: Ireland condemns the resumed Israeli airstrikes and a new ground operation, bringing fresh suffering to the people of Gaza. We have provided over €84 million in support for the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023, including €58 million in core support to UNRWA. €72 million of this total support has been provided since October 2023. Our most recent...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Middle East (1 Apr 2025)

Neale Richmond: The scale of humanitarian need in Gaza is enormous, and this has been accentuated by interruptions in the flow of aid and the wider disruption caused by the conflict. Ireland is engaging actively at Ministerial and official level with the EU and with UN partners, focusing on the need to continue to press for unhindered humanitarian access. At the EU-Israel Association Council in February, the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (27 Mar 2025)

Neale Richmond: The Deputy is twisting his words.