Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
164. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her plans in respect of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68893/25]
View answerIn June, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill.
The main purpose of the Bill is to prohibit the importation of goods into the State from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
Legally, the regulation of external trade in services is considerably more complex than is the case with goods at EU level. There would also be greater complexity when it comes to implementation than is the case with regard to trade in goods.
The Government has now received legal advice from the Attorney General. We are closely studying this and reflecting on next steps, including consultation with relevant Departments.
Work is advancing across a number of strands at official level as well as engagement at EU level.
It remains the Government’s preference that collective action would be taken at EU level and we continue to pursue this.
Any legislation must be legally robust and able to withstand challenge.
