Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Deputy Kenny. I share Deputy Ó Laoghaire's sentiments on the need to step back from the brink in protecting the fragile ceasefire in place. We will have an opportunity to engage on that shortly.

To be clear, the Government and I, as the Tánaiste and leader of my party, still believe in legislating in relation to trade with the occupied territories. We gave that commitment during the election. In fairness to the now Taoiseach, he was clear at the foreign affairs committee, which the Deputy was probably at, that the Bill as currently constructed would require radical changes to make sure it was compliant with European law and the Constitution. He showed a willingness to work constructively on the issue with the Opposition and the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Black, who has been very constructive. My priority is to advance the programme for Government commitment, which states, "Progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories..." Deputy Kenny's question about timelines and amendments is not unfair but my first approach in this new role is to meet Senator Black as the sponsor of the current Bill. I will then revert to the House.

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