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

Again, the EU is the competent authority in respect of trade. It conducts trade agreements with countries all over the world, including Israel. No boycott of Israel that I am aware of has been proposed by anybody across the European Union or by any government anywhere. Regarding the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018, the European Union has various legislation in terms of labelling and so forth. The area of trade competency presents a challenge in the context of the Bill.

I have written to Francesca Albanese. I take issue with what was said. Some of our diplomats met her recently and she seemed unaware of certain measures we had already taken in respect of Gaza. We regretted the fact that she sought no meeting with us. The Deputy will agree that is normal for UN rapporteurs to with officials of Departments. It would have been the norm that she would have met with us last October. We would have been very enthusiastic about Ireland's position on Palestine, but, on this occasion, for one reason or another, no meeting was sought with me or officials in my Department during that most recent visit.

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