Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
448. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what powers his Department has to enact trade sanctions against Israel as a mechanism to stop the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Israel-Hamas war; what powers rest at EU level; if he will give a breakdown of the powers that he has and the powers the EU has; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1794/24]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for implementing trade related restrictive measures or “sanctions”. Trade sanctions are increasingly used by the international community as a means of exerting influence on various issues of international concern. Ireland fully subscribes to its international obligations in this regard.
Ireland does not impose any unilateral sanctions regimes but implements UN and EU sanctions. The Council of the European Union adopts EU sanctions through Council decisions, which must be agreed unanimously. The Department of Foreign Affairs negotiates for Ireland at the EU level on proposed sanctions packages. EU sanctions seek to bring about a change in the policy and/or behaviour of the target of the restrictive measures. They are used as part of an integrated and comprehensive approach to the pursuit of EU foreign policy objectives, along with political dialogue and other complementary efforts and instruments. Currently, there are over 40 EU sanctions regimes in effect. Sanctions can be used to tackle violations of international law or human rights and to promote peace, democracy and the rule of law. EU sanctions are often introduced to implement a resolution of the United Nations Security Council. Sanctions regimes will generally include trade measures such as restrictions or embargoes on exports of certain items to specific countries or end-users. For example, the export of military equipment or equipment that could be used for internal repression may be prohibited.
