Mr. Gerard Keown:

A number of countries have approached us, or we have chosen to share with those we consider to be like-minded members on this issue, within the European Union and with some countries outside the European Union that have shared similar policy positions to us going forward. I do not have any information at this time I can share as to whether those countries are going take action similar to what we have undertaken. We have encouraged them to do so to see whether the approach the Government is pursuing here is an approach that could be taken forward within those jurisdictions and their individual legal frameworks. We have said that we are available to provide any further information or clarification for them. As I mentioned, the Tánaiste has said that Ireland is the first country in the European Union to take action at national level in this way. That is important for the reasons he and the Taoiseach have made clear, some of which I referenced. The Tánaiste has also said he hopes this will be another example of leadership and that by Ireland going first it might encourage other governments to consider doing so as well. We have to wait and see whether that will be the case. We will stay in close contact with those countries and be available to answer any questions they may have.

As I mentioned, in parallel, there is a group of ten members of the EU that have now called on the Commission to prepare proposals on bringing the EU as a whole into compliance with the advisory opinion, including references to trade with illegal settlements. We remain in contact with that group of nine other member states on that issue as well. That will be one of the issues that will be discussed at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, in the middle of this month, on 15 July.