Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Gibney for the question. As she will be aware, the Government carried out an extensive analysis and review of the occupied territories Bill 2018, as it was then, late last year. The Government’s analysis, shared with the Oireachtas at the time, was that substantive amendments would be required to most, if not all, of the provisions of that Bill in order to bring it in line with our Constitution and to try to ensure it could withstand an EU challenge, should that arise, and be compatible with EU law.

On 24 June, the Government approved the general scheme of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill 2025. The general scheme has now been referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for pre-legislative scrutiny, which I think began last week. The Bill, if enacted, will deliver on a commitment in the programme for Government to progress legislation in this area following the ICJ advisory opinion.

With regard to services, the heads of Bill, or the general scheme, do not prohibit trade in services with natural or legal persons located in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. As I have said, I remain open-minded on that. Legal clarity is now needed - and I know the committee has been teasing through this - on whether it is possible to include services. I have asked the Attorney General to advise on this.

Engagement with third-country counterparts is a central part of my work and that of my officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Such engagement routinely includes exchanges on issues relevant to the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the country concerned. The new Israeli settlements Bill has not been the subject of my recent political engagements with US interlocutors.

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