Other than where a common EU action is agreed, it is a matter for each Member State to decide for itself what means or diplomatic signals it wishes to employ to make a particular point. This might take into account, inter alia, their previous actions on the same subject or previous engagement with the same country. It does not therefore follow that if another EU partner decides to summon an Ambassador over an issue, that Ireland should do the same. The opposite is also true: we would not necessarily be deterred from doing so, because no other partner has yet done so.
It is frequently suggested, in the House or elsewhere, that a given Ambassador should be called in for a particular reason. Calling in Ambassadors is one of many types of diplomatic messaging, and a serious one, but its impact would be weakened if resorted to very frequently.
I have consistently made very clear the Government’s strong criticism of and opposition to settlements and settlement expansion, and I specifically criticised the recent Israeli announcement in the Dáil last week, during answers to Questions. The Israeli Government, and Israeli public opinion, are in no doubt whatever about our views on this issue.
