Mr. Hugh Lovatt:

On the Deputy's last question, we all know the political conversation regarding banning certain products is difficult at both national and EU level. However, I believe that Ireland has an important role to play in building a coalition of member states that can be supportive of such action. It is important to note that, at present, there has been no conversation on policy at the level of the member states about the banning of settlement products. Merely starting that conversation is important. Ireland can do that. That is the first point.

Second, there are different ways to approach this. The Irish Parliament has suggested one way, which might be undertaken at national or EU level, but we must remember that the EU is a community of laws, Bills and regulations. The EU regulates a number of other areas, including that of products tainted by child labour, and the import of seal products and other products. Why not also regulate products that are derived from actions that violate the core tenets of international law? Advancing a more regulatory approach is another possibility at either the top level, between member states, or at the level of national parliaments and the European Parliament.