Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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134. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department has had any contact from the US administration or the White House regarding the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; if so, the nature of those contacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15085/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Engagement with third-country counterparts is a central part of my work and that of my officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Such engagement routinely includes exchanges on issues relevant to the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the country concerned.

This issue has not been the subject of any recent engagement with my political counterparts in the US. Given the significant level of public interest in the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 over recent months, several partners, including the United States, have expressed an interest in the Bill and the Government’s approach. My officials have engaged with them on the matter, including briefing them on the Government’s position.

Consistent with the position of the European Union, Ireland has been clear in underlining that policies and measures that distinguish between the State of Israel and Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, do not constitute a boycott of the State of Israel.

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from the occupied Palestinian territory. This work is being progressed with due regard to a number of factors, including the need to ensure that any legislation is in line with the Constitution and to reduce the risk of EU infringement procedures.