Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to secure a review of Israels adherence to human rights clauses within the EU Israel Association agreement; and if Ireland will demand a suspension of this agreement until such stage as Israel adheres to its obligations under international law. [10948/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline any engagement he or his Department has had with EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles, or his office, on the potential suspension of the EU-Israel trade association agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11145/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his engagement at EU level following the recent letter signed by the Taoiseach and the Spanish Prime Minister for a review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU/Israel Association Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11187/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 67 and 71 together.
The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission on 15 February calling for an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The letter was addressed to Commission President von der Leyen, and was copied to High Representative/Vice President Borrell.
Given the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian and security conditions in the Gaza strip, the ongoing active hostilities, and the risk of a ground offensive by Israel in Rafah, we expect the review to be carried out in an expedited manner and proposals to be presented to the Council rapidly. I raised the matter at the February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, and asked that the review be carried out as a matter of urgency. The review should result in a credible and robust assessment of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the relevant provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Without prejudging the outcome of the review, if Israel is not in compliance, concrete measures should be proposed by the EU institutions to the Council, for consideration and decision. There are a number of options in respect of concrete measures that could potentially be proposed, including the suspension of the agreement in whole or in part.
