I propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.
The Deputy will be aware that restrictive measures, or sanctions as they are generally referred to, are a tool of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. They are predominantly discussed at the EU's Foreign Affairs Council, with decisions subsequently taken at the Council of the European Union.
Ireland has strongly supported the adoption of sanctions in relation to Israeli settlers involved in violence and serious human rights violations or abuses in the West Bank under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. This was adopted on 19 April and the listed individuals will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban. Implementation by Ireland of sanctions measures is the responsibility of several Government departments and agencies. My Department is following up in relation to the travel ban.
As my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has indicated, Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to ensure that appropriate action is taken and will consider any proposals made to further address human rights abuses arising from the ongoing conflict.
While West Bank settler organisations are subject to restrictive measures under the Global Human Rights Sanction Regime, I am informed that no such organisation has been designated by the EU as a terrorist organisation at this time.
On the question of proscription under Ireland's terrorism legislation, I can inform the Deputy that the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, which was enacted with particular application to international terrorism, provides that any organisation engaged in terrorist activity or terrorist-linked activity is an unlawful organisation within the meaning and for the purposes of the 1939 Act. This is the case whether the organisation is inside or outside the State, or whether the terrorist activity occurs in or outside the State.
As the Deputy will be aware, the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Office of the DPP.
