Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The suggestion by the Deputy of trade sanctions against Israel is raised from time to time in this House. However, it is very clear that such a proposal would have no chance whatever of gaining any support, still less agreement, at EU level. Successive Ministers have stated this and, as Deputy Eamon Ryan will be well aware, this remains the case.

There are many countries around the world with which Ireland and our EU partners have serious human rights concerns. Trade with a country does not imply approval or support of its policies. Trade is not a reward for good behaviour; it is how our own people make their living and is crucial also to many ordinary people in the countries in question.

Our strong views and consistent opposition to the settlement project have been a key focus of my engagement on this conflict at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

I have pressed for a clear distinction in the European Union's relations with Israel and in the matter of relations between the European Union and the settlements. As has now been endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2334, the European Union has already taken various actions in this regard on which I have reported to the House and we will continue to consider what more can be done.

See this speech in context