Israeli Settlements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Questions (675)

Seán Crowe

Question:

675. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that Belgium has introduced guidelines requiring chain stores to specifically label agricultural products which come from Israel's illegal settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights; and if, in view of the fact that he has added his name to the list of 16 European Union foreign Ministers who wrote to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Frederica Mogherini, in April 2015 calling for proper labelling of settlement products, and in the absence of European Union-wide legislation, he will consider following the example of the Belgian Government and introduce similar label guidelines here. [23286/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Belgian guidelines which were introduced in July 2014 do not include a mandatory requirement for labeling of settlement goods. As in the case of the earlier UK and Danish guidelines, they provide that labeling where it appears must be accurate, including in relation to settlements. I support the proper labeling of settlement goods, and I hope to see guidelines introduced at EU level, for the greatest effectiveness and impact. Following the letter which I and other Foreign Ministers sent to the High Representative in April, I believe this can be achieved. I have stated before that if it proved impossible at EU level, which I do not expect, then I would be ready to introduce such guidelines nationally.