Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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189. To ask the Taoiseach further to his comments to representative groups regarding addressing antisemitism in Ireland (details supplied), if he will provide details of his plans to appoint a national co-ordinator to oversee efforts to counter antisemitism. [25964/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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In March 2023, Ireland published its National Action Plan against Racism (NAPAR), which was developed by an Anti-Racism Committee, that was fully independent of Government and Government Ministries. Ireland was of the opinion that a single comprehensive plan, considering all facets of racism, is the best approach in an Irish societal context, and this is reflected in our NAPAR.

The NAPAR represents a national level, State-led, co-ordinated approach to eliminating racism in all its forms in Ireland. This includes antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism that impacts the Traveller and Roma people and communities, and racism affecting people of African Descent.

It is hoped that the actions will have a significant positive impact on all minority ethnic communities and faith-based groups, including the Jewish and Islamic communities, in Ireland. The plan is part of Ireland’s response to the UN’s call for global action to eliminate racism, and part of the wider effort to tackle racism and its impacts across the European Union.

Following a recent transfer of functions, responsibility for anti-racism policy now sits with the Department of Justice. A senior official from that Department serves as national coordinator on combatting antisemitism for the purposes of engagement with an EU-level Working Group on implementation of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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190. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of his responsibility for equality policy, his views on the way in which it is possible for persons to be clear that they are not applying double standards to Israel by requiring of it a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation, which is described as a form of antisemitism in the IHRA working definition of antisemitism; in cases in which a person believes that due to its disenfranchisement of the native Palestinian population it governs that Israel is not a democratic nation or in cases in which a person takes a particular interest in human rights in the region, and therefore may be seen to be applying double standards by discussing a consistent standard in a single, particular context; the way in which he will ensure that no training or education courses procured by his Department will give the impression that such individuals are antisemitic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25425/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is clear and on the record.

I note that this question pertains to equality policy, but in light of the particular focus of the question, I will answer from a foreign affairs perspective.

The IHRA working definition of antisemitism is intended to be a useful tool to help identify manifestations of antisemitism, which can take many forms, some overt and some insidious. The decision to endorse this non-legally binding definition was taken in the context of a well-documented and concerning rise in antisemitism, which has been taking place globally, both online and offline. It was also taken in response to concerns raised by Ireland's Jewish community.

Some aspects of the question appear to relate to the illustrative examples that accompany the non-legally binding definition, in particular those which reference Israel. As the IHRA itself notes, criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. It is therefore clear that the IHRA definition does not seek to preclude or prevent legitimate criticism of the government of Israel, by individuals or by other Governments. It is intended to address genuine instances of antisemitism, and not political or policy positions which criticise actions of the government of Israel.

Ireland will always promote respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, in Israel and Palestine, and in all relevant contexts.