Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
2. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he has engaged or will engage with fellow members of Economic and Financial Affairs Council, ECOFIN, to secure financial and economic sanctions against the State of Israel in response to flagrant violations of international law committed by the State of Israel in Gaza and the occupied territories of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15274/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the past six months, we have witnessed, before our very eyes and in very real time, an unfolding genocide against the people of Gaza perpetrated by the State of Israel and its war machine. What engagement has the Minister, as a member of ECOFIN, had with colleagues in the European Union to implement a comprehensive suite of financial and economic sanctions against the State of Israel? If he has not, will he, on behalf of the Irish people, put this on the agenda of the next ECOFIN meeting?
I thank the Deputy. At the outset, it has to be clarified that restrictive measures, or sanctions as they are generally referred to, are first and foremost, a policy intervention utilised by the EU in regard to Common Foreign and Security Policy, CFSP. As such, they are predominantly discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is represented at the Foreign Affairs Council by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and for Defence. The Tánaiste attends meetings of the Council in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Any decisions regarding the introduction of EU sanctions are subsequently taken by Council of the European Union.
Given the role of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and ministers for foreign affairs in regard to EU restrictive measures, there is no specific responsibility per se for the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in regard to the discussion, development and implementation of EU restrictive measures. However, matters relating to sanctions have been discussed by finance ministers at their Economic and Financial Affairs Council meetings in the context of economic ramifications for the EU and the economic impact elsewhere in the world. These discussions may relate to new packages of sanctions introduced by the EU. For example, there were discussions on matters regarding Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, where the Council covered the impact of the sanctions package on the EU economy and its effectiveness in reducing Russia’s ability to continue the war in Ukraine.
In view of the unacceptable levels of violence being perpetrated by certain Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, in particular since 7 October 2023, Ireland has worked to progress sanctions against violent settlers at EU level. In this regard, the then Taoiseach, Deputy Leo Varadkar, and the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, wrote to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last February. This letter called for an urgent review of the European Union-Israel association agreement and to consider whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under that agreement. The letter also asked that the Commission propose appropriate measures that could be taken if Israel is found to be in breach of these obligations.
At this moment, the State of Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war. Its depraved action is provoking famine and every person, man, woman and child is a target of this assault on human life. Israel has targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure. It has decimated homes, hospitals and schools across Gaza. It has laid waste to Gaza, including its land, infrastructure and people, and has done so with impunity. Worse still, it does so with foreign money and weapons of war. We are not bystanders. Ireland can and should act in solidarity with the Palestinian people in defence of human rights and justice and holding Israel to account for its war crimes. It is time for the European Union to impose economic and financial sanctions on the State of Israel to ensure it pays a price for its war crimes. Will the Minister bring forward proposals to the next meeting of ECOFIN to this effect to hold Israel to account?
As I said in my initial reply, the issue of sanctions is predominantly discussed and dealt with at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. As I said, when the issue of sanctions is discussed at ECOFIN, it is within the context of the economic impact of the European Union. The political decision to impose sanctions for the reasons the Deputy has outlined is not one that would be led by ECOFIN. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has been very clear on what is happening in the Middle East. The Government has repeatedly and consistently called for an immediate ceasefire and a sustained increase in humanitarian aid. It is clear this is the desire of the overwhelming majority of the international community, along with the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, urgent and effective humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians. We will continue to use every means available to advance that call.
As the Minister said, in the past we have seen how ECOFIN and the Eurogroup have acted swiftly in playing their roles when they saw fit to hold countries to account for their acts of aggression. A package of financial and economic sanctions against Russia being introduced and renewed several times was a clear example of this. However, as well as accountability there needs to be consistency. There need to be sanctions against the State of Israel.
What I am hearing from the Minister today is that this is not his role and he does not believe it is appropriate that he bring forward a proposal for discussion at ECOFIN regarding sanctions. I am not surprised by that. I am annoyed by the fact that the Minister is trying to stall legislation currently before the finance committee. The committee waived scrutiny of the legislation which would ask us not to use taxpayers' money to invest in companies and shares in companies involved in the occupied territories. I welcome that the NTMA has divested from a quarter of its shareholding, but we are still investing State money in activities involved in the occupied territories. Will the Minister ask that this be discussed at the next ECOFIN or Council meeting?
I thank the Deputy. Regarding the Private Members' legislation to which the Deputy referred, it is appropriate that there would be pre-legislative scrutiny by the committee. I understand that has now been concluded. I look forward to the report being completed and furnished. It will be given early consideration. I note the Deputy's welcome of the decision of the NTMA regarding the divestment of certain assets, which was publicly notified in recent days.
The point I am making is that when it comes to foreign policy and security matters, they are dealt with by the EU Foreign Affairs Council. That is where the instigation of any EU-wide initiative regarding new sanctions would generally come from, rather than the economic committee which will deal with and consider the economic consequences. The political initiative and decision of foreign affairs and security matters, the very issues the Deputy has raised, would fall under the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union.
