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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021

Tuesday, 7 December 2021

Questions (673)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

673. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to media reports that the process of approving the export of cattle from the State to Israel has commenced; his views on whether such a step would be fully in keeping with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; if his attention has been drawn to the International Criminal Court’s announcement that it is to begin a formal investigation into possible war crimes committed by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; if he will consult with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence with regard to the appropriateness of such investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60414/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy is aware, the extent and scope of any trade in animals is a matter for private enterprise, subject to compliance with animal health and animal welfare standards and the conditions of any agreed protocol.

Any animals transported from Ireland are governed by the requirements of EU legislation. The vast majority of animals exported from Ireland travel to the EU, which is governed by the same high standards of animal welfare legislation as Ireland. A relatively small percentage are exported to non-EU countries - the transport of these animals is also subject to the same EU legislation.

Ireland maintains bilateral relations with the State of Israel on a range of issues, including through political and diplomatic engagement and in respect of economic and trade relations.

Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967 in line with international law and relevant UN Resolutions and the longstanding position of the European Union. This position is common across all Government Departments and policy coherence is ensured through coordination at official level.

Ireland’s position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including our trade, and will continue to do so. The EU and its Member States, including Ireland, are wholly opposed to Israeli settlements, which are contrary to international law, and are damaging to the prospects of peace