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

The case the Deputy makes reinforces the position I am taking. I have always said in respect of the occupied territories Bill that this is a trade matter for the EU collectively and the European Commission to make recommendations and decisions on. That has always been our position. It is why Ireland on its own cannot make decisions in this area. If it did, would not be able to implement them without EU support.

If this is an EU trade measure and competence and the EU has the authority to do it, then it is an EU decision. I have said to the Deputy on many occasions that Ireland has supported and continues to support at EU level ensuring there is a differentiation in treatment between goods from occupied territory or illegal settlements and goods from Israel proper. That continues to be our position. I cannot go beyond that because Ireland does not have the competence to do it.

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