I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
Ireland is among a number of donor countries working together to pursue compensation through the West Bank Protection Consortium. The Consortium has sought, but not received, compensation of close to €1.3 million in respect of confiscated or demolished assets since 2015. We will continue to work together with our Consortium partners to bring pressure to bear on Israel on this issue.
I would also emphasise that there are several important strands to the work of the WBPC, including supporting vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from individual and mass forcible transfer through the provision of material and humanitarian assistance and legal aid.
Ireland strongly supports these efforts. We provided €300,000 in funding in 2022, and will provide €400,000 in 2023.
Regarding the EU-Israel Association in October 2022, as I made clear to this House at the time, Ireland’s position was that such a meeting would only go ahead once an EU position was finalised. This approach was important as it enabled the EU to speak with one voice on key issues of concern, notably in relation to human rights and international law, and to convey this position to Israel at a senior political level. This included reiterating the EU’s strong opposition to Israel's settlement policies, including evictions and demolitions.
