Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

10:00 am

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the evidence on which he bases his rejection of the call for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel and in particular the evidence of any positive influence on Israel as a result of Ireland's affording it preferential trade. [29690/10]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Trade relations with Israel are determined at EU level.

I have been very active in criticising and drawing attention to those aspects of Israeli policy with which we disagree, particularly in relation to the continuing occupation of Palestinian Territories. I will continue to do so, both directly and at EU and UN level, and also to encourage both Israelis and Palestinians who are prepared to work and engage together to achieve a settlement.

However, as I have made clear on many occasions, including at the ICTU Conference on Palestine in April 2010, the Government does not support proposals for trade, academic, cultural or other boycotts against Israel. This has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments.

Such an approach would not increase our influence on Israeli policy or public opinion, nor among our EU colleagues. Nor is there any possibility of reaching agreement on such a policy at EU level.

As the Deputy will be aware, I set out my views on this matter in more detail in a recent meeting with the Joint Committee on European Affairs, on 22 June 2010.

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