Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
10. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland will impose economic sanctions on Israel; if it will not, to outline why not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/24]
View answerIreland had advocated strongly at EU level agreement at EU level on sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank who are attacking and displacing Palestinian communities. This is a matter that I have raised with my European counterparts at successive meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.
During the Council’s meeting in February, 26 Member States indicated that they are ready to move ahead with sanctions on this issue. The United States has adopted sanctions, as have the United Kingdom and France. Ireland's view is that the European Union must also act against those who attack and displace Palestinian communities.
While Ireland continues to press to agree sanctions at EU level, officials are also examining options to work in concert with a group of EU Member States to implement certain measures at a national level, specifically travel bans. However, comprehensive sanctions, including for instance freezing the assets of individuals and entities, requires a unanimous decision by all 27 Member States and Ireland will continue to advocate for unanimity in moving forward on this.
