Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade

Situation in Palestine and Israel: Discussion with EAPPI

3:30 pm

Mr. Joe O'Brien:

We would be somewhat concerned that if energy is diverted at EU level, it will then dissipate and action may not be taken. We wish to be clear that we are also seeking a national ban. Obviously, the EU channels must be pursued. This idea is well thought out and a great opportunity exists. What is proposed has the potential to be very powerful as well. Again, I reiterate that we wish to push matters in the context of the national channel. That channel could work well as an example during our EU Presidency. In other words, it would be good for people to see that the country holding the Presidency is engaging in this kind of leadership at national as well as international level.