Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2016
355. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he believes Israeli settlement building is a breach of Article 49 of the Geneva convention (details supplied); the way he will fulfil Irish obligations as a signatory of the Geneva conventions to address breaches of the convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8011/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and our EU partners have consistently made clear that the Israeli settlement project in the occupied Palestinian territory is illegal under the Geneva conventions. In line with our obligations under the Conventions, Ireland does not recognise or accept the right of Israel to settle its own people in Palestinian territory, nor do we support settlements or their expansion. On the contrary, Ireland has been a leading voice internationally and in particular in the EU in opposing settlements and urging stronger international actions on this critical issue. Ireland has been a principal advocate for a number of specific EU actions on settlements in recent years, which have been discussed here in the House. We will continue to do so.
