Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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65. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the timeframe in which he intends to progress the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4879/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The situation in Israel and Palestine is a major priority for this Government.

Ireland's engagement is guided by our longstanding and principled position, notably respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and unwavering support for the two-State solution.

I set out the Government’s approach on this issue in the House on 5 February.

The immediate focus of the international community must continue to be the implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. I welcome the release of hostages held in captivity by Hamas that has taken place to date including the three hostages released at the weekend.

Our focus must also be on supporting a significant surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza.

As the Deputy is aware, in light of the July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the ICJ and the subsequent advice of the Attorney General, the Government decided to review the Bill working with Senator Frances Black. The Government’s analysis was that substantive amendments would be required to most, if not all, of the Bill’s provisions in order to bring it in line with the Constitution and to try to reduce the risk of EU infringement procedures.

The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from the occupied Palestinian territory.

In parallel, Ireland continues to press for action at the EU level.

While there are differences among Member States, Ireland has been consistent in recalling that, in its relations with the wider world, the EU is required by its founding Treaty to contribute ‘to the strict observance and the development of international law.’

My priority is to contribute to a coordinated effort by the international community to support the ceasefire and hostage release agreement and the surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza; to safeguard the two-State solution and to uphold the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Last week, I announced a further €20m in assistance to UNRWA to ensure that it is supported in its indispensable role in delivering this much-needed humanitarian aid.