Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

194. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that a person (details supplied) and Jewish Holocaust survivors, experts and over 100 civil society groups urge world leaders against the adaptation of the IHRA’s definition due to blurring of the distinction of criticisms of the state of Israeli and antisemitism; and if he will scrap the adaptation of the IHRA definition of antisemitism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15531/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The decision to endorse the non-legally binding IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism followed detailed consideration over a number of years within the Department of Foreign Affairs and consultation with relevant Government Departments. All relevant information was taken into account in making this decision, including voices critical of the definition.

We have viewed with concern, the well-documented rise in antisemitism, which has been taking place globally, online and offline, in recent years. The decision to endorse the IHRA definition was taken in this context and in response to concerns raised by Ireland’s Jewish communities. The decision also fulfils commitments in this respect set out in the EU Council Declaration on Fostering Jewish Life and Combatting Antisemitism, adopted in October 2024. Endorsement of the IHRA Definition brings Ireland in line with all other EU member states in this regard.

Ireland’s longstanding commitment to freedom of speech, freedom of expression and the protection and promotion of human rights will not be affected by this endorsement.

The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism is a non-legally binding working definition that explicitly states that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic. This initiative is a guidance tool intended to address genuine antisemitism and not political or policy positions critical of the actions of the Government of Israel. Ireland’s position on this is clear.