Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussion with the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman in the light of his recent inaccurate comments on proposed Government legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38164/25]

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.

The Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill has not been the subject of any of my recent political engagements with US interlocutors. Given the significant level of public interest in the Bill, several international 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.

Ireland’s Embassy in Washington DC is continuously engaged with a number of committees across Congress, and in particular with both the Senate and House committees that deal with Foreign Relations. This provides an opportunity to ensure that Ireland’s foreign policy, including on the Middle East, is well known and understood.

While we are aware that this Bill may be viewed negatively by some international partners, the Government’s position and, indeed, that of the EU is clear: settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the realisation of a two-state solution.

Consistent with the position of the EU, 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.

The Government remains committed to countering antisemitism. I reject any suggestion that the policy positions taken by the Irish Government are antisemitic. Criticism of Israeli government policy does not constitute antisemitism.

I and officials of my Department remain open to engaging with international partners who have expressed an interest in the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill.