Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I have stated on several occasions in this House, the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 would not be compatible with European Union law and would not be implementable. This is the clear legal advice on this matter. The Government will, therefore, not be taking it forward.

Ireland’s resolute opposition to illegal Israeli settlements is firmly grounded in international law. To adopt a unilateral approach that runs contrary to legal advice would undermine Ireland’s clear and principled stance on this issue as well as our broader promotion of compliance with international law at the United Nations and other international organisations.

The European Union reiterated its overriding policy of differentiation at the EU-Israel Association Council in October 2022. All agreements between the State of Israel and the European Union must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. Ireland is vocal in ensuring this policy is applied consistently across all sectors of co-operation.

As regards trade, European Union law and guidelines on goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory clearly differentiate between settlements on the one hand and Israel on the other. These guidelines were updated in May 2023, increasing the burden of proof on importers and economic operators involved in imports into the European Union of products originating in Israel. These guidelines are an important part of the European Union contribution to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and Ireland remains vigilant in ensuring their full and consistent implementation. Ireland applies a whole-of-government approach to this policy of differentiation, and my Department ensures there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on differentiation between Israel and the occupied territories on its website. Furthermore, the Government’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including my meetings with my political counterparts during my recent visit to Israel.

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