Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this. The Tánaiste confirmed this morning that Ireland will recognise the state of Palestine by the end of this month. We are calling urgently for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The protection of civilians must be paramount. It is an obligation under international humanitarian law. Accountability for civilian deaths is essential. Ireland calls for de-escalation by all actors in the region. Regional de-escalation and the protection of civilians and aid workers must remain the priority. We need an immediate and durable ceasefire now, and sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to the civilian population is essential. All hostages must be released.

Ireland is not financially embedded. There was a small investment by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF, which has been divested. In terms of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill, the position of the Government is that the Bill would not be compatible with EU law and would, therefore, not be implementable. This is the clear legal advice on this matter. The Government will not, therefore, take it forward. Ireland's opposition to illegal Israeli settlements is unambiguous and is grounded in international law. To adopt a unilateral approach that runs contrary to legal advice would undermine Ireland's stance on this issue and our broader advocacy and compliance with international law.

We have worked very hard with the relevant authorities in Gaza to facilitate the exit of Irish citizens and immediate dependants who have expressed a wish to leave. The Department has been able to assist more than 100 Irish citizens and dependents to leave. This is a very difficult situation and what we see on our televisions is heart-wrenching stuff. We have been very clear in calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. Like Deputies Carty and Bacik, I commend Bohemian Football Club on entertaining and bringing over the Palestinian women's team. I wish them well. I thank them for that. It is the right thing to do.

See this speech in context