Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
61. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to bring forward the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 to Third Stage in Dáil Éireann, given the ongoing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and his party’s previous support for the Bill (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50367/23]
View answerAddressing the current situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is a central priority for the Government. Finding a path to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza; to the immediate release without preconditions of all hostages; and avoiding any further or wider escalation in the region have been the central focus of engagements I have undertaken in recent weeks in relation to the current situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, including my visit to the region this week.
As I have previously stated, the Occupied Territories Bill would not be compatible with EU law, and would not be implementable. This is the clear legal advice on this matter. The Government will therefore not be taking it forward.
Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed illegal Israeli settlements, and this Government will continue to do so.
