Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169, 170, 179, 185, 191 and 195 together.

I agree with the Deputy that the Bill takes on an even greater level of concern after the horrific announcement today of Israel's plans to develop further illegal settlements. The situation in the West Bank is deeply concerning. It is clearly unacceptable. I want to be clear that Ireland and the EU are strongly opposed to Israel's settlement policy and activities, including in and around East Jerusalem. In my intervention at the EU-Israel Association Council in February I called attention to our strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and activities and to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution, including extremist settler violence.

Ireland has strongly supported the sanctions adopted by the EU against both individuals and entities involved in settler violence and we continue to call for the imposition of further EU sanctions. At the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 May, Ireland called for the immediate adoption of further sanctions targeting violent settlers. At the same meeting, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed to carry out a review of Israel's obligation under Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement.

The situation in the West Bank, where Israel is conducting its single largest operation in 20 years, is extremely concerning. It demands our urgent attention and appropriate action. At least 40,000 people have been displaced since January. The UN human rights chief told the United Nations Security Council last month that the announcement that residents must not return to their homes for a year raises serious concerns about long-term mass displacement.

Combined with unprecedented levels of violence and record levels of settlement construction, there is a huge risk of further destabilisation. The UN human rights office in the occupied Palestinian territory has expressed alarm at the decision of the Israeli security cabinet this month to resume land registration in Area C of the occupied West Bank. The role of the international community, including the United Nations and diplomatic missions on the ground, remains indispensable in terms of monitoring and reporting on developments. I wish to put on the record that I was utterly appalled at reports that the IDF fired shots in the vicinity of a visit to Jenin on 21 May by a group of diplomats, including two Irish diplomats based in Ramallah. Fortunately, no one was hurt but this is clearly intimidatory behaviour that must be condemned in the strongest terms. A senior official in my Department has formally conveyed to the ambassador of Israel my strong condemnation and deep concern at this incident and has called for a full explanation and accountability for those responsible - those who decided to fire shots in the direction of diplomats. In line with its obligations under international law, Israel must ensure the protection of foreign diplomats. Our mission in Ramallah plays an important role in monitoring the situation on the ground in Palestine. Our diplomats do an excellent job and must be allowed to do their jobs.

Turning to the question of legislation, as this House will be aware, the previous Government carried out an extensive analysis and review of the occupied territories Bill late last year. The Government’s analysis was that substantive amendments would be required to most, if not all, of the Bill’s provisions in order to bring it in line with the Constitution and try to reduce the risk of an EU legal challenge. These considerations remain central to the Government’s approach. In this regard, the new Government, in the programme for Government, sets out a clear commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from the occupied Palestinian territory. The Government is also clear that any legislation regulating trade with illegal settlements will be advanced as a necessary step to comply with international law and it would be wrong for others to see it as a “boycott” of Israel because it is important that this Bill is clear on what it is and what it is not in terms of its legality.

Consistent with the position of the EU, Ireland has been clear in underlining the policies and measures that distinguish between the State of Israel and Israeli settlements, which are clearly illegal under international law. I am advancing with the commitment in the programme for Government and have engaged with the sponsor of the current Bill, which the Deputy has correctly named. I have made it clear to Senator Black that our approach is to bring forward our own legislation. I do not wish to speak for the Senator but I think her view is that she does not care who brings forward the legislation, once it comes forward and is advanced. The general scheme of that legislation will go to the foreign affairs committee in June. I am conscious the Chair of that committee is present in the Dáil. I will endeavour to get the general scheme to the committee as early as possible in June.

I think we all agree that Ireland's trade with the occupied Palestinian territory is very limited. That is not a reason not to do this, and I am not suggesting it is. It is the right thing to do. However, all of us, through our various political movements, should be encouraging other countries to do the same. It would be a big benefit if a number of other countries were to join Ireland in passing legislation that we believe is compatible with EU law and we were to ground that in the narrow route that is the International Court of Justice advisory opinion and the Attorney General's advice that flows form that.

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