Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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178. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that non-governmental organisations, NGOs, in Israel are possibly going to face severe new restrictions on how they operate if two restrictive bills are passed by the Israeli Knesset; if he is further aware that these draft laws seek to cut the funding of NGOs, whom the Israeli Government views as being foreign agents; the effects on some of the most well-known and respected NGOs, such as B'Tselem and Breaking the Silence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32583/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The last Knesset in Israel saw a number of bills proposed to restrict or hamper the activities of NGOs working in the areas of justice and human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory. These proposals for the most part were unsuccessful. The formation this year of a more nationalist government in Israel, in which some of the proponents of those restrictive measures are now holding ministerial office, clearly raises concerns about the likelihood of further bills aimed against NGOs. Ireland, like many other countries, supports NGOs active in defence of human rights and justice, in many countries around the world. The occupied Palestinian territory is no different in this regard.

I share the widespread international concerns in relation to these efforts and I urge the Israeli government to continue to respect the crucial role of civil society in a democratic system. The willingness of very many Israelis in these organizations to defend justice and human rights resounds deeply to the credit of their country. NGOs which act as whistleblowers on abuses of power, or work to uphold the legal rights existing in a country’s own laws, are performing a valued function.