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

I have and will continue to advocate in the EU, across the UN, and bilaterally with the many countries with which Ireland has very good relationships, including the US, to express our clear position on the Israel-Palestine conflict. I will continue to advocate for a two-state solution. I will continue to visit and prioritise the region in terms of Irish foreign policy, as I have done to date.

The comments from the US make it easier for an Israeli Government to focus on expanding settlements in Palestinian territories, and to do so illegally under international law. That is why I felt the need to counter the comments and outline the Irish and EU position very clearly.

I will not support Senator Black's Bill because I do not believe it is legally sound. I do not think Ireland has the capacity to impose what is effectively a trade sanction when the competence and responsibility for decisions on trade lies with the EU collectively. I will not commit public finances to a Bill that I know to be legally unsound. I have made that point very clearly in public and in private to Senator Black on many occasions, and she understands my position. It is a clear position, based on advice from the Attorney General. Deputy Murphy and others choose to ignore that, as if it is not the case. As a Government, we will not introduce legislation that is not legally sound and commit resources to do that and to fight the legal cases that will follow.

I am glad that we agree on one thing, that is, the illegality of the settlements and expansion of settlements in occupied territories. I will continue to maintain that position on behalf of the Government.

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