Illegal Israeli Imports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Ceisteanna (73, 74)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

73. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Government has issued guidance warning of the significant risks involved in economic and financial activities in Israeli settlements; if he will consider issuing similar guidance; and when he expects EU guidance regarding involvement in economic and financial activities in Israeli settlements to be finalised. [1588/14]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

74. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the EU guidelines on the labelling of Israeli settlement goods to be finalised. [1589/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.

My Department’s website already contains cautionary advice in relation to buying property in Israeli settlements. I am aware of the more recent advice introduced by the British Government. I am open to considering further strengthening of our advice, but my preference would be for action at EU level. Ireland has been active in the discussion of possible EU messages on investment in or any business contacts with settlements, on which good progress has been made.

There is no fixed timescale for the finalisation of the planned EU guidelines on labelling of settlement goods. There is a widespread feeling among EU partners that it might not be helpful to introduce either of these measures at this particular moment, while the direct negotiations between the parties are ongoing. This is a question of timing only, based on the fact that the talks are only scheduled to last for a further few months.

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 51.