Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

We have been strongly pushing for those types of sanctions. As the Deputy knows, we have been seen as one of the strongest at EU level. We have sought for some time the suspension of the trade agreement, which President von der Leyen proposed, and sanctions on violent settlers. These proposals and all the others put forward require Council decisions. Some, such as that to suspend the trade agreement, require a qualified majority, while others require unanimity. Other member states have considered or taken measures themselves in this space. We are at the forefront of the discussions and debates.

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