Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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84. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the dialogue and engagements he has had with the US administration; if he has, whether the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 has been discussed as part of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4994/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland and the United States have deep and strong bilateral relations, built on a rich foundation of ancestral ties, shared values and close diplomatic and political links, including US support for peace on this island.

Ireland had a good working relationship with President Trump and with his administration during his previous term in office from 2016-2020. The Government looks forward to building on this and working constructively with the new administration to support strong bilateral and economic relations in the coming years.

In my role as Taoiseach, I spoke personally with President Trump in November following the President’s election to office. We discussed the close trading relations between US, the EU and Ireland, as well as a number of foreign policy issues, including conflict in the Middle East.

Ireland’s position on the Middle East is clear and has formed part of our foreign policy dialogue with the United States, as it does with other partners. Ireland continues to advocate for a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the realisation of the Two-State Solution.

In light of the July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice and subsequent advice of the Attorney General, the Government reviewed the Occupied Territories Bill. The Government’s analysis was that substantive amendments would be required. This work will be progressed in line with the Programme for Government.