Alan Farrell
Question:14. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with the UK Prime Minister during the European Political Community meeting [45074/23]
View answerTaoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Questions (14)
Written answers
On the 5th of October this year, I met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the margins of the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain where we discussed developments in Northern Ireland and the importance of the Irish-British bilateral relationship, as well as broader global challenges.
The Prime Minister updated me on the UK Government’s ongoing engagement with the DUP regarding the restoration of Stormont. We both agreed that getting the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive back up and running is a priority for us. I reiterated this Government’s continued and serious concern about the United Kingdom’s recently enacted Legacy Act.
We also welcomed the joint UK and Ireland bid to host Euro 2028, which has since been confirmed as successful, and discussed the necessary redevelopment of Casement Park as one of the venues.
Questions Nos. 15 to 21, inclusive, resubmitted.
Departmental Legal Cases
Questions (22)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:22. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of legal cases taken against his Department in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023 [44815/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department has identified three legal cases which have been taken against the Department during the period in question. All three were individual claims taken against the Department and all have been concluded involving a small settlement and associated legal and ancillary costs.
Questions Nos. 23 to 30, inclusive, resubmitted.
Departmental Consultations
Questions (31)
Carol Nolan
Question:31. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46753/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to ensuring that the DFA team is reflective of modern Ireland and the people that we serve. Consistent with this, my officials are working to implement the DFA Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan - a priority in the DFA Statement of Strategy. Implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan, and promoting and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace, will enable the Department to continue to deliver strongly across all of our high level goals.
In this context, my Department, and specifically the LGBTQ+ Working Group, engaged with Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) in relation to a lunchtime talk for staff, which took place in January 2021. The talk was presented by the TENI Chair and focussed on the position of Trans people in Ireland and how individuals, and the Department, could work to increase visibility and equality. There were no costs involved.
My Department has not facilitated briefings with BeLongTo during the period 2021 to date.