Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2017
262. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he is taking at EU level to advance the cause of the Palestinian people throughout the occupied West Bank and to curb the perceived destruction by the Israeli Government of Palestinian homes in the region. [9148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have consistently argued at EU and international level that, in addition to the obvious priority of encouraging negotiations to reach a peace agreement, there needs to be a strong international focus on the unjust and damaging policies being carried out by the Israeli occupation administration, which are deeply provocative and threaten to make impossible any future negotiations. Ireland has focused in particular on the process of settlement expansion, and the demolitions, evictions and expropriations which are part and parcel of it.
The EU has taken a number of policy actions directed at illegal settlements, for instance measures to ensure the accurate labelling of settlement goods. I will continue to work for the elaboration of further such measures. I have made clear my view that the international community, including the EU, needs to take stronger measures.
Ireland also supports, through financial assistance and actions on the ground, the work of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are working on human rights and justice issues on behalf of Palestinians.
