Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
18. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to secure an interim agreement approaching the level of comprehensive trade agreement between the European Union and Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring a Foreign Affairs Council in January 2023, the EU made a commitment to set up annual high-level dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority. This announcement followed a lunchtime exchange with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, and Palestinian Foreign Minister, Dr Riad Malki.
The overriding goal of such a dialogue would be to deepen bilateral relations between the EU and the Palestinian Authority, which are guided by a number of frameworks, including the EU-Palestine Action Plan under the European Neighborhood Policy. The dialogue would provide a high-level forum for political exchange and will also lend greater visibility to the role of the EU as the lead development and humanitarian partner, working to improve the lives of all Palestinians and promoting shared human values.
Ireland wishes to see the launch of negotiations on a full Association Agreement between the EU and the Palestinians, which would formally be concluded upon Palestinian statehood. However, our over arching priority in the immediate term is to advocate for a more robust EU position on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for a massive and sustained increase in humanitarian aid and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, as well as a support for a comprehensive political track towards Palestinian statehood.
