Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Brennan very much for his very eloquent, heartfelt and almost emotional contribution. He is speaking from experience in the aftermath of his visit out there. I know he has been very active and vocal on the occupied territories Bill at the committee, which is what he is seeking a response on today.

I concur with the Deputy's comments about Senator Frances Black. She has done enormous work. She has worked in a very collegiate fashion with the Government and the leaders of the Government parties to bring this to fruition.

On 24 June last, the Government approved the general scheme of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill. The general scheme delivers on the commitment in the programme for Government to progress legislation prohibiting the import of goods from the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory following the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024. The general scheme was referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for pre-legislative scrutiny. These proceedings are currently ongoing. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade engaged with the committee on Tuesday, 1 July. I am conscious that the committee has heard from several legal and academic experts and representatives of the Jewish community in Ireland, as well as Israeli and Palestinian interest groups, and that further hearings may be scheduled.

I commend the Chair and members of the committee for ensuring that a broad range of views and perspectives are being heard. The Government is committed to progressing the legislation. The views of the House on this legislation are well known and have been broadly discussed.

At the same time, there are other voices and perspectives that are not as frequently aired in the political and public discourse here in Ireland. It is important that we are aware of these as we move forward. As the Tánaiste said very clearly last week, we in the Oireachtas want to pass the legislation in a fully informed manner, with our eyes wide open. It cannot be emphasised enough that the optimal policy scenario would be appropriate action at EU level. This has been, and continues to be, the focus of the Government's engagement. We regret that it has been necessary to move ahead of EU partners on a matter of such importance.

The importance and relevance of addressing the illegal settlements was outlined in stark terms by several Israeli human rights organisations this week in a letter addressed to the EU High Representative in advance of the Foreign Affairs Council, which took place yesterday. Among several deeply concerning issues raised in the letter was the fact that the process for establishing and expanding settlements has been streamlined by the Israeli Government, leading to a record-breaking approval of 22 new settlements in May alone. They also noted the policy of granting near impunity.

During yesterday's meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland echoed these concerns, as well as our deep concerns regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for humanitarian access at scale and a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. Ireland was clear in reiterating the need for the EU to respond in an effective manner. Against this backdrop, it remains deeply unsatisfactory that no appropriate action has been taken by the European Commission as regards trade with illegal settlements in the face of such clear policy and legal imperatives.

I again thank Deputy Brennan for his work and his contribution. He clearly knows where the Government stands on this issue, which is to progress this legislation as quickly as possible.

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