Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

240. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the report submitted to the UN General Assembly by the UN special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing concerning the destruction of Palestinian homes, military incursions, closures, state-backed settler attacks, home demolitions, and destruction of property; in this context, if he agrees with many human rights experts that Israel is committing the crime of apartheid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55940/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has been consistently forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians and the application of different standards in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. In particular, Ireland has been proactive in highlighting many of the issues raised, including demolitions and settler violence, at the UN Security Council during our current term.

At the most recent meeting of the Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 28 October, Ireland expressed concern regarding increased settler violence in the West Bank and called on Israel to cease all settlement activities.

Ireland has taken careful note of the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing in relation to Palestine. The work of the UN Human Rights Council, as well as that of UN Special Rapporteurs and civil society organisations, constitute an important input in shaping the approach that we take. We are firmly focused on seeking ways to change the reality on the ground with regard to the issues raised in this report, and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution, which is the Government's priority.

Ireland will continue to raise our concerns regarding discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN level.