Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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40. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Government plans to publish the updated version of the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill; whether any diplomatic representations have been received from the United States Congress in relation to the measure; and if he will clarify Ireland’s position should the country be designated by U.S. authorities under anti-boycott legislation. [45116/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 24 June, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade held a number of hearings, and received submissions representing a range of views and perspectives.

This Pre-Legislative Scrutiny is an important part of the legislative process. The Committee has now published its report. I have thanked the Committee for its work and I am considering the report and recommendations.

On the issue of engagement from the US Congress, a number of members of Congress have expressed reservations about the proposed legislation. Our Embassy in Washington DC is continuously engaged with Congress to ensure that Ireland’s foreign policy, including on the Middle East, is well known and understood.

We value the contributions of international partners as part of a robust and inclusive debate. 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.