Sorca Clarke
Question:36. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will enact the Occupied Territories Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1000/24]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (36)
Written answers
As I have stated on several occasions in this House, 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’s resolute opposition to illegal Israeli settlements is firmly grounded in international law. To adopt a unilateral approach that runs contrary to legal advice would undermine Ireland’s clear and principled stance on this issue, as well as our broader promotion of compliance with international law at the UN and other international organisations.
The EU reiterated its overriding policy of differentiation at the EU-Israel Association Council in October 2022. All agreements between the State of Israel and the EU must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. Ireland is vocal in ensuring that this policy is applied consistently across all sectors of cooperation.
As regards trade, EU law and guidelines on goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, clearly differentiate between settlements on the one hand, and Israel, on the other. These guidelines were updated in May 2023, increasing the burden of proof on importers and economic operators involved in imports into the European Union of products originating in Israel.
These guidelines are an important part of the EU contribution to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and Ireland remains vigilant in ensuring full their full and consistent implementation.
Ireland applies a whole of Government approach to this policy of differentiation and my Department ensures that there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on settlements on its website.
Question No. 37 answered with Question No. 13.