Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The strongest measure against settlement products is that higher tariffs must be paid on such products when they enter the European Union, whereas goods produced in Israel enjoy reduced rates. Work on these issues is continuing, although I accept Deputy Smith's point that it is not progressing at the pace people would like. Guidelines for the labelling of settlement products were put to one side while the talks were ongoing. We have raised the issue of bringing them forward, having regard to the fact that the talks continue to stall, and we will actively pursue the issue at European Union level.

Deputy Smith asked me why Ireland does not follow Sweden's lead. I confirm that a process of reflection on this issue is under way in the European Union. Following the recent Foreign Affairs Council discussion, senior officials have been charged by the Council with preparing an information paper on the issue. Ireland will be centrally involved in this, as we are on all internal EU consideration of the Middle East peace process. This morning, The Irish Timespublished a joint article written by me and my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland. I am not ruling out any option, including early recognition of Palestine, that will advance the prospects for peace and ensure the viability of the two state solution. I will continue to keep the House fully informed on this issue.

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