Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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118. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to recent reports of the demolition of Palestinian homes in Masafer Yatta on the West Bank that had been funded by EU member states including Irish Aid; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31815/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The demolition of Palestinian homes, and demolition or seizure of related structures such as water tanks, wells, solar panels, schools and animal housing, are cruel and unjust actions. These practices also cause suffering to ordinary Palestinians, and impinge on the right of children to an education.

We are concerned by an acceleration in demolitions in 2020. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property and humanitarian aid, including Palestinian homes, continue despite previous commitments from Israeli authorities not to target Palestinian residential structures during the Covid-19 pandemic. The only conclusion we can draw from the systematic nature of these policies, especially in areas where illegal Israeli settlements have already been constructed, is that they are aimed at forcing Palestinians off their land. 

Ireland regularly conveys our views on these actions to the Israeli authorities, both directly and through the EU. I have done so myself on my visits to the region. With regard to the specific case the Deputy mentions, Irish officials have been following it closely.  Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised the issue of demolitions with the Israeli authorities in recent weeks, along with a group of EU and non-EU colleagues. Ireland's Representative in Ramallah visited Masafer Yatta on 19 October. 

Ireland is committed to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank. Ireland is a member of the West Bank Protection Consortium which plays a leading role in supporting threatened communities and coordinating the provision of essential services to them, including material assistance and legal aid.

It is of additional concern when those structures confiscated or demolished are donor-funded. The practice of demolition and confiscation of humanitarian assets, including education infrastructure, is contrary to Israel’s obligations under International Law, including provisions of international humanitarian law, and in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention. 

My primary concern is the hardship and injustice that demolitions and confiscations cause for Palestinian families. It is important also, however, that the question of recompense for humanitarian relief funded by our taxpayers should also be pursued. Ireland, together with a group of EU Member States, pursue this issue consistently through the West Bank Protection Consortium. It is the practice of the Consortium to raise this directly with the Israeli authorities and to date, the Consortium has sought compensation of over €625,000 in respect of confiscated or demolished assets.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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119. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the cases of political prisoners (details supplied) in Bahrain who were sentenced to death. [31932/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of concern. Although progress has been made in certain areas, there continue to be instances of human rights violations. I am aware of the cases raised by the Deputy, and the decision of the Court of Cassation in Bahrain to confirm the death penalty ruling in their cases.

A moratorium on the death penalty had been in place in Bahrain since 2010 and the decision to resume the use of capital punishment in 2017 was deeply concerning. The abolition of capital punishment is one of Ireland's international priorities and we condemn the use of the death penalty in all circumstances. Ireland joins with the EU in calling on Bahrain to halt the execution of theses two individuals. 

Our principled stance on human rights is very much part our bilateral dialogue with Bahrain. Senior officials from my Department have formally raised our concerns about this case directly with the Bahraini Ambassador to Ireland, reiterating our long-standing opposition to the death penalty. I also understand that the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has made contact with the Bahraini authorities in relation to these two cases.

When I met the Bahraini Foreign Minister at the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2019, I also raised the human rights situation in Bahrain with him, expressing the hope that we can have an open and honest discussion on these issues.

We will continue to monitor these cases, and to make our concerns clear to the Bahraini authorities, including at the next informal EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue to be hosted by Bahrain early next month.