Foreign Conflicts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Ceisteanna (654)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

654. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn, and make Ireland's views known at European Union level regarding, the serious reports (details supplied) that Israeli authorities illegally bulldozed temporary shelters for Palestinians in east Jerusalem which were funded by the European Union, particularly in view of the discussions in Brussels recently regarding the trend of Israel destroying hundreds of millions of euro of aid from the European Union to the Palestinian people, if he will make Ireland's position on this serious matter known. [14300/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland has consistently condemned the dispossession and eviction of Palestinian people in order to clear land for Israeli settlements. This is clearly contrary to international law. We have also consistently made this clear at EU level, and urged stronger action to oppose this policy.

The report cited by the Deputy in relation to Bedouin communities in East Jerusalem is part of this general pattern, although in this case the stated basis for eviction was that the area is in a national park.

The EU has consistently condemned these policies, most recently in the Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council in November 2014.