Simon Harris

We cannot stand by while children are starving and dying.
The ongoing Israeli blockade is having a devastating impact on the people of Gaza.
The world must do more.

1/2 RDFRA were delighted to meet with An Tánaiste,
@simonharrisireland.bsky.social yesterday. The engagement was extremely positive & demonstrated to RDFRA that all stakeholders are clearly working towards the strategic objective of creating "a reserve force that can seamlessly train, operate ...

I warmly welcome today's release of Israeli and Thai hostages held in captivity by Hamas.

I also welcome the increased levels of aid reaching Gaza.
This needs to continue at speed.

Full statement ⬇️

Making sure we harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement is a key priority for me as Tánaiste. Grateful to everyone for their time today

An early visit to Belfast today to meet the First Minister and deputy First Minister and political party leaders and representatives and the Speaker of the Stormont Assembly.

We remember the horror of that sunny August afternoon in Omagh.

Today is a stark reminder of the pain and suffering caused to so many families as the commemorative hearings begin.

Full statement below ⬇️

Warm and engaging meetings with Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno this morning at the Foreign Affairs Council.

We discussed the current trade environment and future EU relations, following the inauguration of President Trump.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a stark reminder of the horrors of evil.
Ireland and its government are committed to countering all forms of antisemitism, racism and discrimination.

I assured her that Ireland and the EU remain steadfast in our support for democracy to prevail in Belarus, especially in light of today’s sham and fraudulent Presidential election.

It was great to have the opportunity to meet again with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a good friend of Ireland.

I commended her for her tireless efforts to support the people of Belarus and to stand up for democracy.

Tonight in Brussels, countries from across the EU are meeting at a critical time with so many major, pressing issues.

It is my honour to represent Ireland. We have much to discuss including EU-US relations, the Middle East and Ukraine.

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to speak with the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, & the deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly.
This is a time to intensify our work together to address the shared challenges on this island.

My full statement:

I’ve been briefed on the storm hitting Ireland from midnight tonight.

Storm Eowyn is Dangerous, Destructive & Damaging.

We cannot give a higher warning than nationwide RED. The risk to life is extreme and real. You need to pay attention. Do not travel. Do not go near the sea.

It was an honour to meet Daragh Kelly, John O’Driscoll, Enda McNicholas, Roger McMorrow & Conor McCarthy in September.
Incredible to see them finishing 3rd in a transatlantic rowing race, raising funds in honour of Saoirse O’Driscoll. 5,000km race in 39 days, 14 hours and 31min.

I warmly congratulate President Donald Trump on his inauguration today and wish him every success in his term-in-office.
The Government very much looks forward to cooperating with President Trump and his administration in the months and years ahead.

I welcome the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas which offers hope after a brutal 15 months of war.

There must be an immediate surge in the much needed humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza.

We have started in Dublin but will be travelling across the country in the coming days to hear from members and hear their views.

This Programme for Government will deliver more housing, better infrastructure and greater access to healthcare. Fine Gael will be at the heart of that Government.

Today, Fine Gael hosts the first of five meetings across the country engaging with members on the draft Programme for Government.

Positive news on home building as a record 60,243 homes have commenced in 2024. That is an average 239 new homes every working day in 2024 - the highest number since records began. Home ownership will be our priority for the next 5 years.

This Programme for Government is about you - the people of Ireland and it is about securing the future of this great country.

It is ambitious on housing, climate, childcare and business supports.

Since the General Election we have been working night and day to deliver a Programme for Government.
Fine Gael went into negotiations to put together a government that can deliver on the issues that matter to you, your family and your community.

I have just received this beautiful handwritten note he wrote this week.
I’m very moved by the note and look forward to meeting Kai again in the near future so we can speak to each other.

Earlier this week I had the honour and pleasure to meet 13 Year old Kai Keane who is non verbal and is a new student at Goreyhill Special School which I officially opened. I knew when meeting Kai he was a wonderfully talented student.

I welcome the commitment by Stena Line to oversee the partial reopening of the Port of Holyhead on 16 January. This is good news.
I am also happy to confirm the establishment of a task force to ensure that the Port of Holyhead meets the future needs of both Ireland and Wales.

Today I spoke with First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan about the ongoing impact of the closure of Holyhead port on the movement of people and freight between Ireland and Great Britain.

Visited the US Embassy in Dublin this morning to pay respect and honour the life and achievements of former US President Jimmy Carter.
A man of integrity and dignity who was committed to public service and human rights.

Reminded I badly need a haircut as I visited Gorey Hill Special School in Wexford this morning to officially open this brilliant new school. So lovely to meet the students and staff. Delighted to be there. Thank you for having me

Reminded I badly need a haircut as I visited Gorey Hill Special School in Wexford this morning to officially open this brilliant new school. So lovely to meet the students and staff. Delighted to be there. Thank you for having me

I want to wish Justin Trudeau well today on his announcement to step down as Prime Minister of Canada and Leader of his party.

I have enjoyed meeting him on a number of occasions and working with him on key issues including helping with displaced children in Ukraine.

Thank you to the crews working across the country to assist communities, homes & businesses with electricity & water supplies after the snow & to grit roads & maintain safety during the very cold weather. Let’s all look out for neighbours & those particularly vulnerable #sneachta