Catherine Ardagh
Question:7. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussion on efforts to tackle hybrid threats and disinformation at the EU General Affairs Council on 11 May 2026. [37994/26]
Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions
Cybersecurity Policy
I ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report of the discussions and efforts to tackle hybrid threats and disinformation at the EU General Affairs Council on 11 May 2026.
I attended the informal General Affairs Council in Lefkosi, Nicosia, in Cyprus on 11 May. Hybrid threats, of course, including foreign information manipulation and interference, FIMI, represent a serious political and security challenge for the EU and our partners. Ireland continues to work together with our EU counterparts to counter such activities. The work includes implementation of the EU’s hybrid, cyber and foreign information manipulation and interference toolboxes. Together, these provide a range of measures, which enable us to identify, deter, mitigate and respond to disinformation and interference campaigns, including through the imposition of restrictive measures where appropriate. Disinformation, more broadly, is a serious challenge, which must be met with a whole-of-society response. Our national counter disinformation strategy sets out commitments and actions to help counter this complex problem.
At the EU General Affairs Council informal meeting in Cyrus on 11 May we discussed all these issues. At the meeting, EU ministers were joined by the UK Minister for the Constitution and EU Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, MP, which I welcome, for an exchange on efforts to tackle foreign information manipulation and interference. The participation of the UK minister is a recognition of the importance of engaging with close partners on the issue. At the discussions in the informal meeting we focused on EU-UK co-operation on countering FIMI, and we reaffirmed that this is a shared and evolving threat, which requires a coordinated European response. In that context, we welcomed the UK minister, noting the common challenges we face across Europe in tackling threats against the stability, social cohesion and democratic nature of our countries.
We exchange best practice. We focus on how to strengthen co-operation, co-ordinate international efforts and build resilience, including through the European Democracy Shield and the European Centre for Democratic Resilience. We underlined the need to strengthen co-ordination in multilateral forums and to enhance resilience in the digital space.
Responding to hybrid threats and activity is a priority for the Government and for EU partners. During our Presidency, we will work to help the EU in navigating our complex and evolving threat environment and we will work to progress the EU agenda on countering hybrid threats.
I thank the Minister for his response. We frequently underestimate the extent to which as a country we face hybrid threats and cyber threats. There are two areas I want to focus on. One is during our EU Presidency, when we hold events here in Ireland but also when we hold meetings of the European political community. There are also challenges and responsibilities for us, as TDs and Senators. We are at risk of hybrid attacks during the EU Presidency. We have heard at the AI committee the extent to which we are ready. I question whether we are ready for AI-enabled drone attacks during that period. Because of hybrid warfare, there are going to be efforts by malign actors to influence TDs and Senators and it is crucial that we are also aware of efforts to destabilise our political institutions and to influence political opinion.
The Government is committed to delivering a successful Presidency. We continue to engage closely with EU partners and An Garda Síochána as the preparations accelerate. The scale and significance of Presidency events that are planned to take place in Ireland mean that unprecedented security considerations arise, certainly for the European political community meeting. That will be the largest ever meeting of its type in Ireland. The security arrangements that will be put in place will reflect the wider backdrop of a changed EU security landscape and a more complex threat environment.
When we look back to the Presidency of 2004, while I will not say there was a level of informality, the security considerations were nowhere near what they are now. We will see a difference. Work is under way, led by the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in planning the security and policing requirements. That includes liaising continuously with policing and security partners across the European Union.
I welcome the co-operation between ourselves and our European partners but the Minister of State will be aware that during the Danish Presidency in the second half of last year, we saw a number of efforts by drones to interfere in and disrupt an EU Council meeting. I have no doubt we will see that again by malign actors during our Presidency.
I would also ask - I am really serious about this - about efforts by malign states to influence Oireachtas Members, which will in various ways and through various inducements try to persuade Members of these Houses of the merits or demerits of particular policy proposals. When we talk about neutrality and security, we do not sufficiently engage in issues around what is happening with regard to cyber threats and hybrid threats. I genuinely believe there needs to be a programme of education for Members of these Houses about the potential threats that we individually face.
The Deputy is certainly not wrong. I agree with him. There is huge potential for people to be influenced in an unwitting way in most cases. The test that I always try and put forward is what is in the best interest of this country, not what is in the best interest of a particular ideology.
Counter-drone capability will be very important for events during the Presidency. As the Deputy said, the airport was closed in Denmark during some of their major meetings because of drone activity. Lithuania takes the Presidency after us. Its airports have been closed on occasion because of balloons coming in from Belarus. The question is not whether this would happen, but how we deal with it when something does happen, whether that is drones or hybrid activity.
We are committed to ensuring the State is equipped to counter-threats posed by drones, through a combination of investment in domestic capability and through international partnerships if it is appropriate. An Garda Síochána is responsible for this. It has counter-drone capacity in place in terms of both detection and mitigation. The Garda continues to build capacity. Additional funding has been given by the Government for this as well. The Defence Forces have an important role to play and they are also making significant investments in this.
Passport Services
Matt Carthy
Question:8. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she intends to open a passport office in the North of Ireland. [37792/26]
It is a busy time of the year for the Passport Office. We had a very good briefing from its officials yesterday. It was very useful. I thank the team for that. They offer an excellent service. There was a lot in the presentation about their ambition for the future with some positive aspects. Given the increased workload they face and the significant percentage of passport applications that come from the Six Counties, it makes sense to have a passport office in Belfast. That is something we have been continually looking for. The logic for it is very clear.
I thank those who attended the briefing yesterday. It was a good discussion and an opportunity to make sure that every Deputy is able to support their constituents, in particular where people need passports quickly for various reasons. I thank all of the team in the Passport Office. Every year the demand increases and there is huge pressure on the staff, so I thank them for the work that they do.
Demand for passports from citizens in Northern Ireland has continued to increase and remain steady. To date in 2026, 12% of all passports that have been issued have been to residents of Northern Ireland. The passport online service offers citizens the ability to apply for passports online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That applies to absolutely everybody, and it is available to 100% of applicants globally, not just on the island. Currently, 96% of all applicants use the passport online service. It is worth noting that just 1% of all passports issue through the public counters. This is a really good statistic because over the years we have been advocating that people apply online. A lot of money and investment has gone into the online system. It is actually quicker and easier to turn around and it is a much more efficient system for everybody no matter where they are applying from.
Last year, 91% of citizens resident in Northern Ireland applied through passport online. I did not have the figure the other evening in committee but since then I have been informed that it has increased to 97% this year. In the first four months of this year, 97% of passport applications from citizens in Northern Ireland were through the online portal.
In December, a new passport assist service launched to support citizens who do not wish to use passport online because we do have a cohort who still perhaps might find it difficult. They might not have somebody to support them or they might not have access to an online system. This is to assist them in making that paper passport application. Citizens can call the dedicated passport assist number as well to receive personalised paper forms along with a bespoke list of documents required that they post back to the passport service through their local post office. This is an all-island service that enhances the paper application route by offering direct assistance to citizens.
There are no plans to open an office in the North. We closed the office that we had in London for the reason that I have outlined: we are moving to a situation where the vast majority of people who apply do so online. Of course we still need to make sure that we offer a counter service for people and that is why the offices in Dublin and Cork will remain open. There are no plans to go beyond that at the moment.
That gives the logic itself, if the Minister is making the case for having physical offices at all, then the same case could be made in terms of the North whether Belfast or somewhere else.
Since the Good Friday Agreement, one of the primary and practical ways in which people who identify as Irish in the North vindicate that right and identity is to apply for an Irish passport. It is the case that increasing numbers of people apply for an Irish passport. It makes sense for people to be able to access this. It is welcome that a huge percentage of applications are online. It is efficient and it is an excellent service. I pay tribute to the staff in the office. We hear excellent reports about people applying and their passport nearly appearing the next day but it would make sense to have an office in the North. It does not necessarily have to be the case that they are only dealing with the counter stuff. If we have an office and the staff are in a position to deal with the counter stuff, that does not mean they could not do some of the back office stuff as well. We talk about the increase in foreign birth registration cases. Perhaps a team in Belfast could take some of that workload. Could some of that work be redistributed to a different office? There are various other aspects of renewing and advancing the service. I ask the Minister to give it further consideration.
I appreciate the points the Deputy made but we have to balance things as well. We have a really efficient office at the moment where we know that so far this year 97% of citizens in the North are applying through the online system. When we look at the overall figures, if 1% is using the counter service, it amounts to 496 - just under 500 citizens - that are using the urgent appointment service and the in-person service.
The argument that the Deputy makes is not around distance because if a person is in Galway and they have to travel to Dublin or Cork, they probably have a longer distance to travel than if they were in the North. However, we also have to look at what we are investing in terms of the overall costs. We have had many discussions on this floor around making sure that anything we invest in is sufficient. For example, if we put up an office, the operational costs for 100 staff or so is estimated to cost approximately €6.8 million per annum. That is potentially for the 469 customers who would be applying and availing of this appointment service in person, so we have to balance all of this out.
We have an Oireachtas line, as I told the Deputy's colleague when I engaged with them this week. We have a line where Deputies and colleagues can deal directly with the service if there are queries that our constituents raise. I am happy to look at whether it or something similar could be made available to colleagues in the North and to see if we can have that direct line. However, this is about making sure that our focus is on prioritising how we can do things more quickly and efficiently, and that there are efficiencies in terms of cost overall, but most importantly that everybody has access to the same type of service on an all-island basis. That is what I am determined and committed to do.
I welcome that last suggestion. It would be very welcome because it can be a challenge for MLAs and MPs in dealing with this. Sometimes they seek assistance through us and sometimes they try to come at it through general inquiries. It makes sense. These are elected representatives who are working on behalf of Irish citizens who have an entitlement to a passport, so it makes sense for them to be able to access that direct line, particularly for challenging cases.
Just as in the Twenty-six Counties in the South, most people in the North will be able to apply online and so on and get it without any difficulties, but there will always be emergency and complicated cases. I welcome the statement the Minister made and perhaps we can explore it further by correspondence because it would be very beneficial.
I am happy to follow up on that. I want to use my time to encourage people, particularly given the time of the year, to check their passports, look at the date and make sure that it is submitted in time. If they are travelling somewhere where they need more than six months, even if it is out by a day, it obviously causes difficulties, so the earlier they can check and apply for a passport, the better. While it has become a really efficient service, if someone is applying for a child for the first time, there are often difficulties and challenges with photos and making sure they can be followed up with An Garda Síochána or the person who signed it. I encourage anyone who is listening and colleagues to let their constituents and those in their counties know that it is really important to apply on time, but we are obviously here to assist and support where that is not possible as well.
Trade Agreements
Tom Brabazon
Question:9. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on the political agreement at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council to move forward with targeted sanctions vis-à-vis extremist settlers and entities supporting settlements in the West Bank. [37999/26]
Catherine Callaghan
Question:35. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the status of the EU-Israel association agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38376/26]
Paul McAuliffe
Question:36. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action she is pursuing at EU level with regard to the growing violence and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38025/26]
Tom Brabazon
Question:44. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on the discussion at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council of further policy options regarding the West Bank, including trade-related measures concerning the import of products from the settlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38000/26]
Barry Heneghan
Question:55. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions she has had at EU and UN level regarding the reported escalation of settler violence, forced displacement and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank; the specific measures Ireland is advocating for to ensure accountability under international law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38374/26]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:83. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade considering that Israel is continuously violating international law by breaking the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank, as well as attacks on civilians in Lebanon and approval of the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners by the Israeli Parliament, the practical and immediate sanctions against the State of Israel she is considering and proposing to other EU counterparts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38225/26]
I ask the Minister to report on the political agreement at the recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council to move forward with targeted sanctions vis-à-vis extremist settlers and entities supporting settlements in the West Bank.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 35, 36, 44, 55 and 83.
As was the case with my previous answer, there are quite a number of different things happening and I want to set things out clearly. From a European perspective and context, I will take the House back to last year. Prior to me coming into this Department and at a time when there was continuing escalating violence in Gaza and there was no end in sight, the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, advocated for sanctions to be put on the table by the Commission that would suspend the EU-Israel association agreement, with a particular focus on the trade elements of it. We also advocated for sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank because we have seen over time how violent settlers and the actions they are taking have increased significantly in recent years. They were not voted on at the time. There was a ceasefire even though we know that the ceasefire is not being held and that there are significant issues with it, not least the lack of humanitarian aid that is getting in, but also the fact that hundreds of people have been killed since it started.
We have continued to advocate for sanctions at a European level since then as we are conscious of what continues to happen and what has been happening specifically in the West Bank where cities of literally hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. It is not towns and villages. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.
Since taking up this role in recent months, I have advocated that these sanctions and the proposals by the Commission would be put back on the table. At last week's meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, we did just that. The Commission's proposal from last year was to sanction violent settlers in the West Bank and those who support them, including Ministers within the Israeli Government. The leaders in Hamas who carried out the atrocities that started so much of what we are talking about would also be sanctioned. That was voted on and agreed. It was agreed because of the pressure that we put on but also the fact that Hungary has changed its position. I welcome that, and I hope to see it continue in any future vote. What we have advocated for since then, and what I advocated for at the last Council meeting, is that we would have further votes at the next meeting that will take place in early June.
We also have a second Commission proposal that is still on the table from last year. This is to suspend the trade elements of the EU-Israel association agreement. This is where there is essentially preferential treatment across of all our agreements, including trade agreements, with Israel. If this was suspended, it would be at a cost of billions of euro for the Israeli economy. We have not only clearly asked for this to be put on the table but have also said that we would vote for it.
Along with other colleagues, I have also been advocating for a further proposal by the Commission that would essentially ban trade in the occupied territories in the West Bank. This is in line with what we know should be implemented. We know that these settlements are illegal and that trade with these settlements is illegal, so we want to make sure that Europe responds to this and does so collectively because I believe, and I think we all believe in this House, that this is the strongest way in which we can send a very clear message.
It will also impact the Israeli Government and the actions it has taken. Since we have had these discussions over the past number of months, Israel has not only continued to increase its settlement policy and done so very publicly in the West Bank, but it has also reintroduced the death penalty, which is taking a step hundreds of years back. It has now said that it will have public prosecutions as well as executions. We have all been talking about what has happened in the last few days and seen the way in which Irish citizens and many other countries' citizens have been treated after being illegally detained in international waters. We need to act in unison, and we need Europe to respond, and that is what I have been advocating for.
I want to clarify again that the reason we have advocated for the trade side of things is because this requires qualified majority voting, QMV, in the Parliament. It requires the vote of 55% of member states whereas if we were to propose other possible sanctions, they may require unanimity. We just know - I am sitting around those tables - that there are countries that will not support them. I have been trying to build a consensus so that we will have this vote at the next European Council and Foreign Affairs Council meetings. I have written again and engaged with Kaja Kallas, who is the chair of the Council, to advocate that this will happen, and I hope that member states will support this. We saw the condemnation right across the EU yesterday. There were public comments not just in the EU but also internationally, and I hope that this is a turning point for people, and we can respond collectively.
Separate to that at home, the Government made a clear commitment that it would enact the occupied territories Bill. This Bill was published last summer. The Department and I have been engaging directly with the Attorney General on this. I am saying clearly this morning that I will bring forward the occupied territories Bill. I will publish legislation in the coming weeks, and we will enact this separate to and in parallel with what is happening at a European level. It is important that we agree at a European level to do this, but it is also important that we progress the legislation that we have said we are committed to and we have been working on. We will work collectively with colleagues because that is something that everybody in this House will support. The last few days have shown us that we need to change the behaviour of the Israeli Government.
I want to reassure colleagues that we continue to engage with the Israeli authorities in relation to our citizens. We have 14 citizens who are detained on land in Israel. They, along with the other countries' citizens, are now in a convoy of buses to the airport and they will be deported to Istanbul from there. Our embassy team is on the way to the airport as well to make sure we have direct engagement with them. We have raised in no uncertain terms, as have other member states, the horror and dissatisfaction at the way in which our citizens have been treated. That is why we now need to make sure that these are not just words we are saying. We need to make sure we follow them through with actions at the next European Council and Foreign Affairs Council meetings.
I will also be raising this at the Trade Council this week. It will be the first time that it will be raised at the Trade Council and the vote will then take place at the later Council meetings.
I thank the Minister. I appreciate her comprehensive answer in this regard. I believe that she reflects the views of everybody in this House when she expresses the concerns of Irish people over what has been happening in the West Bank.
I was struck when listening this week to the Catholic Bishop William Shomali, who I understand the Minister met with. He spoke on it and referred to "really nasty" actions on the part of some of the settlers. Their behaviour is, frankly, appalling. He asked where we need to go beyond this. Ultimately it is about how we can secure a lasting peace in Gaza but also in the West Bank, and what we need to do. He spoke very clearly about our peace process here. For individuals like that we must continue to engage with him and support him. I agree with the Minister that the more action we can take at a European level collectively, the more impact it will have.
I welcome the Minister's comment. I listened very carefully to her interview on Monday with Gavan Reilly. It has outlined a process of the Minister's intention regarding where we go in respect of the occupied territories Bill and also at an EU level. This week on Tuesday, a constituent of mine, Mikey Cullen, rang me from the flotilla. Incidentally, he is the third constituent of mine on different flotillas. We agreed and disagreed on different things as he was floating off in the Mediterranean. What is utterly unacceptable is that in what is effectively international waters, Israel can take constituents of mine from a boat, forcibly put them through a process to say that they illegally entered either Israel or Gaza, then humiliate them on video and send them back to Istanbul. I know the Minister rejects that. I know the Government rejects that. The three constituents would tell me that it is nothing in comparison to what the people of Gaza and other people in the West Bank have been through. I ask the Minister to continue to take strong action on this issue.
Just a few days ago every single one of the Irish Global Sumud aid flotilla activists put out a video while they were on the boats, before they were kidnapped, asking the Government to support a sanctions Bill last night. The Government, after issuing statements condemning their kidnapping and abuse at the hands of the violent settler, Itamar Ben-Gvir, trooped in here and voted against a Bill proposing sanctions against the State of Israel, having said just before that there should be no business-as-usual with the Israeli regime. That regime is guilty not just of the abuse of the flotilla activists, which is disgusting and has given us a glimpse of its barbarism, but also the brutality that is inflicted on the Palestinian prisoners who are tortured and abused. There is a genocide in Gaza, there is ethnic cleansing happening, there is apartheid and there is brutal suppression of rights, and the Government voted against imposing sanctions on them when the activists on the flotilla appealed to the Government to vote for it. The Government is gaslighting the Irish public.
I commend those on the Global Sumud flotilla. It is a deep shame that people still have to do that to highlight the absolute criminality, that has not been brought to book, of the Israeli regime. We have all been disgusted by the video of Ben-Gvir, who is obviously a thug, a genocidal criminal and an idiot. When most people commit crimes, they do not actually put them on video. This is a guy who has been accused of being a draft-dodger by brothers in arms and his defence was that he was not allowed in the IDF because of his views. That just tells you. He is only one element of Netanyahu's regime. What are we talking about? The death penalty for Palestinians; genocide in Gaza; ethnic cleansing in Lebanon, which many of our peacekeepers have seen; and the attempt to create enough settlements to destroy any chance of a Palestinian state.
The Ministers said that this is not a time for words alone, so we need to see action. We all want to see consensus, we all want to see co-operation across Europe, but we need to see the occupied territories Bill passed, including goods and services. It is an absolute disgrace that the EU-Israel association agreement is still in operation. What interaction has the Minister had regarding ensuring that there will be delivery, even if only on the trade element?
I thank the Deputies. It is important that it was asked what our longer term objective is. We cannot lose sight of that even though it seems impossible in some ways that a two-state solution would still be a focus and a priority. It has to be. That is why Ireland continues to be actively involved in the global alliance on the two-state solution. That is why I hosted, with others, a conference in Croke Park at the beginning of this year where we explained and set out our own experience of what has happened in the North and how, at times, when it seemed a peace process would be impossible, we worked at it and it is something we are still working on. I discussed with Bishop William Shomali how we are focused on a two-state solution and what that looks like despite all of the complications and difficulties we are in at the moment.
Whether people agree or disagree with the approach taken by the flotilla, I certainly understand why people have taken that approach. People in Ireland feel they want to do something. Many feel they cannot and these types of actions have been taken. I am very clear, whether you agree or disagree with it, that they were illegally detained in international waters. It is completely against the law and that is why I and other countries have, in the strongest terms possible, objected to this. I have raised this at the highest level and I will continue to push for change and response at an EU level. I have been doing that this week and for the last number of weeks.
In terms of the sanctions Bill, an outright blanket ban has no legal basis. Trade is an EU competency. We all know that.
No, we do not. No, we do not. No, we do not.
Trade is an EU competency; we all know this. However, when it comes to the issue-----
The Deputy will have a chance to speak in a minute.
The genocide convention. Read it. Read it. Read the genocide convention.
Deputy Boyd Barrett will have his opportunity in a minute.
If the Deputy does not want to hear the answer, that is fine. Even in the situation in Russia, we do not have the blanket ban that was being proposed on this. Let us be clear on that.
It is rubbish, rubbish, rubbish. Read the genocide convention.
There are unintended consequences for citizens. There are citizens in Israel who do not-----
Read the genocide convention.
We have.
The Minister without interruption, please.
There are citizens in Israel who do not agree with what the Israeli Government is doing. Imposing a blanket ban in the way the Deputy is suggesting, in a way we have not imposed with Russia or any other country, is imposing a blanket ban. It is also an EU competency and that is why we are advocating for the suspension of the EU-Israel trade association agreement at an EU level.
Separately, the occupied territories Bill is specific to the occupied territories. This has already been made very clear in international law and the EU agrees. They are illegally occupied territories. That is why we are pursuing the occupied territories Bill and that is why I will publish legislation in the coming weeks. In tandem with that, we will pursue action at an EU level when it comes to the overall trade association agreement.
We must make sure we do not lose sight of the fact that in Gaza there are still millions of people who are not getting access to appropriate humanitarian aid, food and water. They are not getting the assistance they need. We must focus on the fact that Palestinian authorities still have billions of euro owed to them by the Israeli Government that they are not being given. We have to remain focused on the fact-----
No sanctions. No sanctions.
-----that the second stage of the peace agreement is not progressing because our efforts are focused on all the other conflicts that are happening. I and this Government are, at every step of the way, making sure our focus remains on this while trying to build a consensus as I have just outlined.
I thank the Minister for her response and I think it is the correct approach. We need to start to think about what the ultimate goal is regarding what we are achieving. We all want to achieve peace. There is no disagreement in this House about achieving peace and getting away from the horrors we are facing right now. I was really struck when I listened to some of the interviews with Bishop Shomali where he said it is going to be about bringing the people together including, as the Minister said, many of the people within Israel who object to what the Netanyahu Government is doing. Given our own experience on this island, we can provide very valuable lessons. It is about where we want to see west Asia in the next five years. What is the goal we want to achieve? It is not always about the short-term solution; it is about how we can provide a sustainable peace whereby the peoples who live within that region can work co-operatively. I commend the Minister's approach and believe that co-operating at European level is also essential.
I raised the case of Mikey Cullen and, as I said, there are two other constituents of mine, Robert Murphy and Dougie Douglas, both of whom are out. The wider issue here has been well aired in the House. I agree with many of the points. I want to return to the issue of three constituents of mine who have been taken from a boat in the Mediterranean. There must be a more rigorous process other than us issuing a press release to condemn what has happened to those three constituents and Irish citizens. Each of them would say it is nothing in comparison to what the people of Gaza have been through.
There must be a process where innocent Irish citizens who are going about their business in the world cannot be taken by a third-party state and be detained without any process or be forced to participate in a process to say they illegally entered Israel. Many will say that that is the intention of the flotilla but the point is - and where Israel continuously makes errors - they did not enter into an Israeli-controlled area. They should not have been taken from that boat. The Irish Government must take very strong action against Israel on this and on a whole host of other issues.
Deputy McAuliffe's constituents asked him to vote for the sanctions Bill and he walked in here and voted against it. All of the Irish participants specifically asked their constituency TDs, Government and Opposition, to vote for the sanctions Bill but the Government TDs voted against it. Then they come in here saying there should be sanctions against Israel. That is gaslighting and duplicity which is designed to convey the impression that the Government is going to do something when it has done nothing. It is the impunity that Israel has been extended by our Government and by the EU that emboldens it. They say they can do anything. They can torture people, commit genocide, kidnap people on the high seas, do apartheid, invade Lebanon and bomb Iran and that nobody is going to do anything. So far, they have been proven right because nobody in this Government has done anything. We continue the complicity.
When we talk about the Global Sumud Flotilla and what the Israelis are doing, what is it? It is kidnapping on international waters. This is absolutely illegal but they do not care. They do not care about anything and that is a fact. We always talk about apartheid South Africa and how it took many factors but one of the major ones was that they were taken to task, they were sanctioned and individual South Africans were made to feel like the pariahs of the world. That put pressure on their government and then they could not trade with anybody, so big business said it needed to get out of that circumstance. That is what brought them to the book, so that is why we need to see action, not words. On the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the trade element, what interaction has the Minister had from a point of view of ensuring even that can be delivered? The Minister has given a promise now of a couple of weeks in relation to the occupied territories Bill. We really need to see it. I get that it is not the be-all and the end-all but it is a decent first step and we will be followed by others because they are an absolute disgrace, they are genocidal maniacs and they have to be brought to book, and we have to do whatever we can.
On the EU-Israel Association Agreement, before the last meeting I wrote directly to the High Representative, Kaja Kallas, to ask that this issue be put on the agenda. I engaged with other colleagues who also signed that letter, Spain and Slovenia in particular. While the vote was specifically was on the sanction of violent settlers. I advocated again in the Council meeting with all our colleagues that this would be put to a vote. It was not put to a vote at the last meeting. I have advocated that it be put to a vote as soon as possible, preferably at the next Council meeting, which is in early June. My team has been engaging with other countries to try to build the consensus that there would be a vote and that we would be voting on this but potentially - and it is my preference - that we would also vote on a new proposal that would ban trade in the illegally occupied territories. There are two options here but in relation to this, I have written to the High Representative. This has been shared with all the member states. We discussed it at the last meeting and I am pushing for it to be voted on.
In the conversation I had with Bishop Shomali, he spoke about the increasing violence. As someone who has lived in the region all his life, he spoke about the change he has seen. Actually what struck me was the fact that he spoke about how he works with people from both sides, from Israel and Palestine, and how he sees a hopeful future and how he still sees an opportunity for Israel and Palestine and for the Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side. This gave me a sense that people on the ground still have that hope and that we need to continue to focus on that overall objective and that goal, as difficult as it might seem.
In terms of the flotilla, again, I cannot condemn in any stronger way possible the actions by the Israeli Government in illegally detaining Irish and other citizens in international waters. It is completely against international law. We have stressed this but at this stage the only way we can take firm action is that the EU collectively responds by suspending the trade element of the association agreement and that we move to ban trade in the illegal settlements as well. At home, I have given that clear commitment again. I will bring forward legislation in the coming weeks. There are many people who do not agree with the sanctions Bill that was put forward because it is a blanket ban.
All the Palestinians do-----
I am sorry but-----
-----and all the flotilla activists do.
I have spoken to many people. We do not impose it in any other sanctions regime because-----
We did it with South Africa.
-----there will be unintended consequences for citizens who do not agree with the actions being taken by Israel, Netanyahu or any of those members of the IDF who have breached international law.
Name a single Palestinian against it.
I will work to build that consensus at a European level. I assure Deputies that those who were on the flotilla and who are on their way to the airport will be met by our officials to make sure they are safe and supported.
Trade Promotion
Erin McGreehan
Question:10. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Government trade forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37942/26]
James O'Connor
Question:31. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Government trade forum will next meet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38378/26]
William Aird
Question:51. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the latest Government trade forum meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38315/26]
I ask the Minister for an update on the Government trade forum.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 31 and 51 together.
I thank the Deputy for this question. The trade forum has become a vital form of engagement between Government, Departments and Ministers but also important key trading stakeholders during a very uncertain and challenging time for international trade. The information and, importantly, the real-time feedback received from the members is extremely valuable. The Tánaiste established this last year during his time in this role. The intention was to make sure that there was that two-way flow of information, particularly in light of what was happening with the US, and that there was an ability for Government to outline the actions it was taking and for individual Ministers in specific sectors to outline the actions they are taking and for sectors and industry to provide feedback to us. The make up of the committee is reflective of some of our most important sectors and some of our most important relationships, including with the US and the UK chambers. We also have representatives from chambers across Europe.
This is part of a more comprehensive and deliberative approach taken by the Government to make sure that Ireland's continued economic growth is resilient, so that despite all the uncertainty that we continue to focus on economic growth. This approach also includes the national development plan, which was published in recent months. We are moving to implement budget 2026 and we are now starting to talk about budget 2027 and the mutually supportive action plan and market diversification which was a real focus and priority for us, in particular during our visits for St. Patrick's Day this year, where that market diversification focus came through.
Regarding the action plan on competitiveness and productivity, the Deputy will be aware that competitiveness is one of the key overarching themes of our Presidency in the six months ahead. We want to make sure that not just Ireland but the EU as a whole remains competitive and open and are investing in research and innovation. To do that effectively, we need to always be listening to business. That is why this forum is invaluable because we are hearing directly back from those in business and getting their ideas as well as giving them an opportunity to highlight where there are challenges.
Agendas and minutes of the Government trade forum are published on digitalhouseireland.ie. Deputies can see that there is an approved work plan for 2026. We have tried to set out that we have an actual plan and that we are focused on various priorities at the different trade meetings. This year, I have convened three meetings of the forum and the minutes are available on digitalhouseireland.ie. My intention is to maintain that intensity of meetings. While a date has not yet been set, there will be another forum in June. This will give us an opportunity to focus on more key areas.
At the last forum, I was joined by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance; the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Deputy Chambers; the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Heydon; the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Lawless, and the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Byrne. Other Government officials and CEOs from State agencies also attended. This was the 12th meeting we have had. In particular, we reflected on the recent St. Patrick's Day programme, which was the largest in the history of the State. It was welcomed by all of those at the meeting. When we look at the overall figures - not just the number of diaspora we managed to reach, which was really quite substantial but also at the number in the business community - about 6,500 people across the world attended different business events we hosted not just stateside but in South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Australia and Africa. There has been a huge focus on how we can identify more ways to open up trade, to support business to grow and to open up new markets as well.
We also focused on our engagement on our relationship with Canada. Unfortunately, a trade mission had to be postponed but that is a relationship that has grown from strength to strength. As we celebrate ten years of CETA and hope to ratify CETA this year, we can see that investment increasing significantly into the billions every year. There is a real opportunity to do more. In the coming weeks we will welcome further visitors from Canada, which will provide an opportunity to strengthen that relationship.
The EU-US trade relationship is certainly on the agenda of every meeting. I am pleased this week that the EU has agreed the pathway forward for our side of the Turnberry agreement. Before the summer and before we take over the EU Presidency, I hope that we can see significant progress on more areas and the priorities that we want to work closely with the US on. We are working closely with the Commission on issues relating to the agrifood sector, the aviation industry, medtech and other areas to make sure that we can support our industries here. The relationship with the US is strong. Zero tariffs benefit everybody and that is where we would like to get to. Tariffs are not good for business or consumers. We want to work closely with the US to make sure we can reduce tariffs where possible.
The ongoing conflict in the Gulf was a key focus point for the trade forum. It is safe to say that every business, large or small, I have met in the last number of weeks is experiencing the impact of the knock-on implications of what is happening in the Gulf, not least because of the cost of fuel. Of course, the price of commodities has continued to increase because of the conflict in Ukraine and now because of this ongoing conflict in the Gulf. It is important that we understand exactly how these conflicts are impacting sectors and how we can respond and provide supports and services. As the Deputy knows, in the last few weeks the Government has provided €750 million directly to individuals in their homes, but also to businesses to make sure that they continue to be viable and a part of a growing economy in what has been a very challenging and difficult time.
The one thing that comes through from the forum is the demand and need for certainty in a time of uncertainty. That is what we have been striving to achieve, as well as supporting businesses.
I am delighted that the Minister has all the stakeholders involved in the forum and commend the work that has been done. I thank her for her comprehensive response.
In light of what has happened the last 24 hours, I hope she will forgive me for deviating a little from the question. I welcome her and the Taoiseach’s remarks yesterday and again today on the Government's clear and principled position regarding the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, what happened last night and the importance of international law. People from all over the world are disgusted, including Israelis living in Israel and other parts of the world. Ireland has consistently shown leadership internationally on these issues. At a time when many people across Europe are calling for stronger action, it is important that Ireland continues to speak with clarity and moral authority at both EU and international level.
I ask the Minister to provide an update on the Government's current engagement with EU partners on the situation in Gaza and the efforts under way to build a stronger and more united European response. In particular, what role is Ireland playing in advocating for a collective European position, grounded in international law, humanitarianism, protection and accountability?
My focus and priority this week have been ensuring the safety of our citizens who have been on board the flotilla. I am pleased to say that they are now on buses on the way to the airport and that our officials are on their way to the airport, if they are not already there, to assist and support them. We have been strong in condemning the actions of the Israeli Government. As I said earlier, the way in which we can respond effectively and send a very clear message to the Israeli Government that this is not acceptable, and that not just Ireland but the EU as a whole will not accept this kind of behaviour, is by collectively agreeing to suspend the trade elements of the EU-Israel association agreement or indeed the association agreement itself. We should also propose new sanctions that would prohibit trade with Israel in the occupied territories or with settlers in the occupied territories. I have been working on this for some time to try to build a consensus. We need to make sure that this comes to a vote as soon as possible to allow us to respond in that strong collective way.
Like others, I have been looking at the response on the international stage as well. There has been global condemnation of the actions by the individual minister. Again this is symptomatic of a government that continues to take these types of actions, whether it is the reintroduction of the death penalty, public prosecutions and subsequently executions that they are discussing or the consistent blocking of humanitarian aid getting to innocent civilians in Gaza who are really suffering and see no end in sight.
To that effect, at every Foreign Affairs Council meeting I have been at, I have specifically raised the need for more humanitarian aid to be let in. When I travelled to Egypt and to the Gaza crossing in January of this year, my main focus was to meet with those who are delivering the aid to talk to them about the challenges they are facing. It is very clear that blockages have been put in their way every day. The truck heights allowed on one day change the next day and then they have to offload. The types of products allowed in one day changes and they then have to change the truck again. The food that they are allowed to bring in is being left to sit in a warehouse going out of date and then when it is out of date it is not let in. It is unbelievable to think that the actions being taken are being done to prevent food and life-saving treatment from getting in. At the same time, the figures will show that hundreds of trucks are coming in. What it does not say is that it might be a truck full of Nutella or a truck full of goods that are going to be sold that people cannot actually afford. These are the types of actions that we need to continue to highlight and which I am highlighting at the Foreign Affairs Council.
My colleague, the Minister of State, has responsibility for development aid. During our Presidency, one of our core priorities will be values. That means making sure that the values that underpin the European Union and the actions that we take are upheld. That means supporting life-saving organisations like UNRWA and the World Food Programme that are supporting people in Gaza, not pulling back our funding as other countries have done, but actually advocating and building a consensus to make sure the funding is reinstated and increased at a time when it is needed.
I welcome that the Government is continuing to work closely with our European partners to strengthen and unify the European response. We cannot simply stand by and watch what is happening in Gaza. Ireland has led internationally on this issue and was first out of the blocks to condemn it at the start. We should continue to lead within Europe in pushing for a clear and principled response.
I thank the Minister for her strong remarks over the last period in response to what has happened to the people on the peace flotilla. What has happened is disgusting and beyond belief. We must act in unison with our European colleagues and impose trade sanctions on Israel. What discussions are now taking place at EU level regarding possible collective measures, including the examination of sanctions linked to illegal settlements? Is Ireland advocating for stronger co-ordinated action among member states?
I can give the Minister 30 seconds to answer that one.
I engaged directly with colleagues at the most recent Council meeting. We have raised this matter directly with the chair of the Foreign Affairs Council. Since then, I have been advocating and working with colleagues to try to make sure this comes to a vote at the next Council meeting.