Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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50. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 9 May 2024, the details of his engagement to date, both at bilateral level with his Israeli counterpart, and at EU level, with regard to the designation in October 2021, which remains in place, of six Palestinian human rights organisations as terrorist groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27143/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 9 May and Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 7 March 2024.

Ireland remains fully committed to supporting and funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders on the ground as a key part of our support for the Palestinian people.

As I previously stated, Ireland repeatedly expressed serious concern on the matter of the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations by Israel in October 2021, including in bilateral contacts with Israel. This decision included organisations in receipt of support from Irish Aid and the EU. As previously stated, no substantial information was received from Israel to justify reviewing our policy towards the six NGOs.

As noted previously, we have made clear to Israel, as well as in discussions with EU partners, that no evidence has been provided to support these claims and that Ireland's support, including financial support, to Palestinian civil society organisations and human rights defenders will continue.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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51. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the work to divest from companies involved in the arms trade in Israel. [27597/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is gravely concerned by the situation in the Gaza Strip. We are calling for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

I have repeatedly called for Israel to adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law. The Government has been clear that the protection of civilians must be paramount and that it is essential that there is accountability for civilian deaths.

On Monday, I attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and am pleased that there has been progress on additional sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers. This Government shares the assessment that the European Union can and should do much more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. Ireland's voice has been instrumental in moving the discussion at EU level, and we continue to advocate strongly for more action.

Responsibility for Ireland's investments is a matter for the Department of Finance.