Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

226. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 2 of 9 April and 238 of 1 April 2025, if the European Commission requires the permission of the European Council to commission a review as to Israels compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU Israel Association Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20416/25]

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

The EU-Israel Association Agreement provides that the relations between the parties will be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which constitute an 'essential element' of that Agreement.

On 14 February 2024, the then Taoiseach and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Furthermore, the letter requested that the Commission propose appropriate measures for the consideration of the Council, should it find that Israel is in breach of its obligations.

Ireland will continue to advocate for a meaningful interpretation of Israel’s human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. I welcome that at the EU-Israel Association Council in February, the European Union clearly recalled Article 2 of the Association Agreement at the outset of its statement. I will continue to press for prioritisation of this within the context of EU-Israel relations.

Ireland’s position on the EU-Israel Association Agreement is just one element of our efforts to shape EU policy. The European Union can, and should, continue to do more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. This will remain a priority for my continuing engagement at EU level.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

227. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 3 and 5 of 9 April 2025, if the referenced United Nations General Assembly resolution, co-sponsored by Ireland, which seeks to implement the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, distinguished between the trade of goods and services with Israels illegal settlements in Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20417/25]

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

The resolution to which the Deputy refers elaborates on the obligations arising for Israel, for all states and for international organisations arising from Israel's unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in the field of trade.

Article 4 of the resolution calls upon all States to comply with their obligations under international law, inter alia, as reflected in the Advisory Opinion, including, in Article 4 (d) (ii) “abstaining from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the Territory, including with regard to the settlements and their associated regime” and, in Article 4 (d) (iv) “taking steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including with regard to the settlements and their associated regime”.

My Department is continuing its follow-up to the Advisory Opinion, including through pressing for action at the EU level in light of the ICJ Advisory Opinion and through follow-up at a national level on issues within its remit. In this regard, the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from the occupied Palestinian territory.

As the Deputy will recall, the Government carried out an extensive analysis and review of the Occupied Territories Bill late last year. 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. These considerations remain central to the Government’s approach at a national level.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

228. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 58, 3 and 5 of 9 April 2025, if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance regarding Irelands €9.4 million investments via the ISIF in eight companies, given the outline he provided of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, stated that the Court identified ‘a duty not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the illegal situation created by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20418/25]