IDA Ireland’s overseas teams and office network are vital to support the agency’s efforts in winning new Foreign Direct Investment across the world. From time-to-time IDA seeks to expand its global network of offices and teams. Many firms are looking to expand into new markets and Ireland is a proven location for global companies to grow and serve their customer base in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
IDA Ireland has to date sought expressions of interest for the part-time Israel based Business Development Consultant and has not yet published an Invitation to Tender. Essential requirements have therefore not yet been finalised for the Invitation to Tender.
The IDA contract that will be put in place with the consultant appointed to provide pathfinder services in Israel will contain Data Protection clauses which state that the consultant shall comply with all applicable requirements of Data Protection Laws. The contract will also set out the consultant’s obligations under data protection laws regarding the processing of personal data and the handling of a data breach. Additionally, Israel is subject to an adequacy decision which means that the European Commission has decided that as a country it ensures an adequate level of data protection.
I am advised that in this instance the consultant is being engaged as an independent contractor and the contract will include relevant conditions to address any appropriate risk assessments.
My officials have advised IDA of Ireland's well known position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory, which informs our engagement with the State of Israel across a range of bilateral issues, including trade. Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.
The EU and its Member States, including Ireland, are wholly opposed to Israeli settlements, which are contrary to international law, and are damaging to the prospects of peace.
UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on 23 December 2016, calls on all States to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. This Resolution reflected the position already held by Ireland, the EU and the UN for many years.
Ireland consistently raises human rights issues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory at the highest international levels, including most recently at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two state solution which protects the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
