Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I spoke yesterday to President Biden and I spoke specifically on behalf of Ireland about the importance of an immediate ceasefire. The president agreed that there was a need for a two-state solution. I think he said that in his read-out of the call. My question to everybody is what more can we do to bring about the circumstances where a ceasefire can be achieved because I genuinely believe the first thing that has to happen is a cessation of violence. As recently as yesterday, 17 June, we saw as many as 17 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on a refugee camp in central Gaza.

I am aware of the reports of yet further strikes on refugee camps. We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire to create the environment in which we can work towards the two-state solution. That is the first thing Ireland continues to do at every international forum at every opportunity with every world leader. We did it again as recently as yesterday.

I also welcome the publication of the report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. The report asserts that there have been grave violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law. There must be full accountability for all civilian deaths and for all crimes that have been committed. At a time when other countries have not always done so, we will continue to support the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. We have done that through additional funding as well.

Our position on the association agreement at an EU level remains clear. I articulated it again to a number of European counterparts as recently as yesterday. I will continue to do it next week at the formal European Council. It is unacceptable that a trade agreement that is in place and that has human rights clauses has not been reviewed. That is the position of Ireland and Spain. We continue to try to get support for that at an EU level. There have been some encouraging signs recently with the Belgian Presidency now also calling an association agreement review meeting.

Regarding dual-use goods, Ireland operates a robust framework for regulating the export of dual-use goods. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is the national competent authority. All export licence applications are considered under criteria set out within the relevant dual-use regulations and in line with Ireland's international obligations. We operate a rigorous export control system and will continue to do so. It has been extraordinary that in the past 24 to 48 hours we have seen the decision by Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, to recognise the State of Palestine being used as some sort of peculiar justification - a pathetic justification really - for the illegal settlements on the West Bank and the determination of the Government of Israel to do more in that space. That should tell us that the recognition of the State of Palestine is not seen as something merely symbolic or inconsequential but is actually seen as something quite significant in terms of speaking up and speaking out for the State of Palestine.

We continue to do all we can in every forum we can. I will come back on the occupied territories.

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