Middle East

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Questions (104)

Matt Carthy

Question:

104. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of a study published by Don't Buy into Occupation, a Palestinian civil society group, which found that 776 European banks provided financial support for 51 companies involved in the construction of the illegal settlements, and which found that from January 2020 to August 2023, these banks contributed $164.2 billion to these illegal activities; his response to this report; his efforts at EU level to prevent European banks from engaging in financial illegal activities in Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10694/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland’s position on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory is clear - they are illegal under international law. This was reiterated by the Attorney General at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on 22 February last.

In accordance with international law, Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967 and ensures that any bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to the occupied territories.

A whole of Government approach is applied to this policy of differentiation. My Department supports other Government Departments by providing guidance and clarification on the policy of differentiation and ensures that there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on settlements.

In this regard, my officials are reviewing the report to which the Deputy refers and will as necessary bring it to the attention of relevant Government Departments engaged with regulatory and due diligence initiatives in the areas it covers.