Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised the status of the occupied territories Bill with me earlier this afternoon and I did not respond to her. I am glad to have the chance to do so now. She will be aware, given her legal eminence, of the fact that trade competence sits with the European Union and the Commission of the European Union rather than us at national level. The Taoiseach has, given the obvious sensitivity of this issue, sought further legal advice on the matter. As it is the Taoiseach who sought that advice, I do not know when it will arrive with him. I am sure he wants it as soon as possible. I will raise the matter with him. As I have said, I am sure he wants to get that advice as soon as he can. Regarding the terrible situation we now see unfolding, I want to go back to the stance of the Government, what we have already done and the work of the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste in the United Nations at the moment.

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