Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy. I do acknowledge that other colleagues have made progress in terms of implementing legislation. Some of it did not have to happen in the same way that we have to progress our legislation. I stress also that it happened prior to the ceasefire. I think what is really important and what our focus and priority need to be on, not just at home but at an EU level and internationally, is making sure that ceasefire holds. It is very clear breaches are occurring. It is very clear more humanitarian aid needs to be let through. This is why it is absolutely essential that in the context of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the proposal that has been put on the table that would remove those preferential tariffs remains on the table. Ireland is the country that pushed for and initiated that process. I again reiterated the need for it to remain on the table at the Council meeting.

I will not lie. There are other member states and individuals who think we should take it off the table and that that would allow for further progress to be made. While there continue to be persistent breaches of the ceasefire by Israel, however, we need to make sure that every lever available to us is very firmly on the table.

In terms of the legislation, again I have given a very clear commitment that we will uphold our programme for Government commitment that we will progress it. I am waiting on further information and advice, and once I have that, we will be able to make further progress.

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