Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have outlined on the record of the Seanad and publicly why we cannot support the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. We do not believe it to be legally sound or capable of being implemented. I understand the political frustration that produced the Bill. Palestinians and the Palestinian National Authority have strong advocates in both Houses, and I am one of them. I have probably spent more time on the Middle East peace process than on anything else aside from Brexit and EU issues since being appointed as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. We will continue to try to impact positively on trying to find a way forward that will protect Palestinians and support a sustainable two-state solution for both Israel and Palestine. However, I will not be bounced into anything that I believe is the wrong thing to do.

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