Written Answers Nos. 71-90
72. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the need for international pressure to vindicate the right of Western Sahara to self-determination; and the Government's relations with the SADR. [8764/26]
View answerThe United Nations recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law, specifically Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter.
On 31 October 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2797, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year until 31 October 2026. Ireland is not currently a member of the United Nations Security Council but has taken note of Resolution 2797.
Ireland’s position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
Ireland’s engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.
Any outcome should be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination.
It is in this spirit that Ireland will continue to support UN-led efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
Officials at the Headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the Mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties to the dispute in this regard.
I assure the Deputy that any relevant developments will continue to be kept under close review, including in the context of EU and UN discussions.
73. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued to Tipperary residents in 2025; the number to date in 2026; the average processing time for each application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8345/26]
View answerThe Passport Service issued 933,121 passport books and cards in 2025. The number of passports issued to applicants residing County Tipperary in 2025 was 18,104.
To date in 2026, there have been 612 passports issued to applicants residing in County Tipperary.
The Passport Service's forecasts estimate that 870,000 passport applications will be submitted in 2026. Based on the overall forecast figure and last year's applications from Tipperary, the Passport Service estimates that during 2026 there will be approximately 17,000 passport applications from residents of County Tipperary.
Currently, the Passport Service employs a total of 819 staff. The Department engages in comprehensive workforce planning and workload management processes, based on forecasted demand for passports. Due to the Department’s vigilant monitoring of customer demand and proactive management of resources, the Passport Service is in an excellent position to meet forecasted demand for 2026.
The Passport Service takes every opportunity to remind citizens to check their passport validity. Each year the Passport Service rolls out an extensive public communications campaign to encourage citizens to apply through Passport Online in plenty of time before travel.
I ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online, as the quickest, easiest and most cost effective way. Currently, 96% of applicants use the Passport Online channel. Passport Online allows citizens to apply for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to 100% of all applicants worldwide.
For citizens who need to renew their passport urgently, the Passport Service offers an Urgent Appointment service at the public offices in Dublin and Cork. Citizens can renew their passport within one day or four days in Dublin or within four days at the Cork Passport Office.
74. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her proposals to expand the Irish diplomatic footprint in areas with a growing diaspora community. [8712/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to deepening engagement with the diaspora. In 2025, my Department allocated almost €16.5 million to projects that support our diaspora. Our 2026 budget is €17.5m, the highest such allocation to date.
Work is advanced on the development of a new diaspora strategy. I have met with representatives of Irish communities and organisations in Britain, Europe, the US, Canada, in the Middle East and beyond to learn about the challenges and opportunities that exist for the Irish abroad. I also hosted consultations in Dublin and Galway and a valuable discussion with Oireachtas members during July last. The new strategy, which will be launched on 30 April, will reiterate the key role our embassy and consulate network plays in supporting Irish communities overseas.
Ireland’s diplomatic footprint expanded significantly under Global Ireland 2025 with twenty-six new missions opened since the strategy was launched in 2018.The most recent new mission is the new Consulate General in Melbourne, which opened last month. Diaspora engagement will be a priority area of work for the new Consulate. The new Consulate General in Málaga is due to open later this year.
Identifying where there is scope to build stronger links with our growing diaspora is an important consideration when deciding where we open new diplomatic missions. These decisions are also based on a robust analysis of how they will contribute to the promotion of our economic interests and our values and promoting our culture.
Work will begin shortly on the new Global Ireland 2040 strategy, which is due to be published this year. The new strategy will focus on enhancing Ireland's international influence and further strengthening Ireland's place in the world.
Decisions on new missions will be taken in the framework of the new Global Ireland 2040 strategy.
75. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8291/26]
View answerMinister McEntee attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 29 January in Brussels.
The main agenda items focused on Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; and the situation in the Great Lakes region. The Council also met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and had an exchange of views on the international outlook in light of recent geopolitical developments.
On Ukraine, the Council heard from Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha who provided an update on the current situation in Ukraine, including in relation to Russia’s targeting of critical civilian infrastructure and the ongoing trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US. Minister McEntee reiterated the importance of an outcome that leads to a just and lasting peace, that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and which protects Ukraine and Europe’s security. The Minister emphasised the need for the EU and its Member States to continue to support Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily. This includes maintaining pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions and targeting the shadow fleet. Minister McEntee also conveyed that Ireland has approved a €25 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide support for Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. This fulfils the commitment made by the Government on the occasion of the visit of President Zelenskyy to Ireland in December to support the restoration and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
On the Middle East, Minister McEntee updated her counterparts on her recent visit to the Rafah crossing, reiterated the need for an increased flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and expressed Ireland’s deep concern at the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. Her intervention also highlighted that Ireland remains ready to work with the US on the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, in keeping with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and that we will continue to be guided by our firm commitment to the United Nations, the primacy of the UN Charter, and the unique mandate of the UN to maintain international peace and security.
Over lunch, Ministers met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Ireland has a strong and long-standing partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Minister McEntee emphasised that Ireland remains deeply committed to a strong UN-led multilateral order in a time of growing geopolitical challenges, attacks on multilateralism and decreased funding. She stated that we will continue to promote and protect human rights across our foreign policy, including during our EU Presidency and as a candidate for election to the UN Human Rights Council (for the term 2027-2029).
Ministers also discussed the situation in the Great Lakes region, including on the state of play and latest regional dynamics. Minister McEntee conveyed Ireland’s deep concern at the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.
In the margins of the Council meeting, Minister McEntee held bilateral meetings with her Italian, Polish, Slovenian and Swedish counterparts.
76. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the opening of the new passport office in Cork; the services that will be provided from that office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8193/26]
View answerThe Department is expecting the new Passport Office in Cork to open in Q4 2026. The Department cannot be more specific with regard to an opening date as the OPW are project managing the fit-out of the Passport Office, which will be located at Navigation Square in Cork City.
This new location will include a public office well-equipped to serve the needs of citizens in the region.
The Cork Passport Office will continue to provide an Urgent Appointment Service. Customers who need to have their passport renewed urgently can book an appointment at the public counter in Mount St or in Cork. The Passport Service offers a one-day or four-day renewal service in Dublin and a four-day renewal service in Cork.
The Cork office will also continue to provide consular services to citizens of the region including authentication of documents and apostille services.
The Cork office currently has over 100 staff members, the majority of whom work on processing online passport applications.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service. In particular, those who are planning to travel this year, especially families with young children who require their first passport, should apply online and in plenty of time.
The Passport Online service allows citizens to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to 100% of all applicants globally. Currently, 96% of applicants use the Passport Online service.
78. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagements she has had in relation to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7445/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government, published in January 2025, stated that the Government would work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal.
On 9 January 2026, EU Member States voted on the EU-Mercosur Agreement. That vote was carried by a qualified majority. Ireland voted, clearly and unambiguously, against the approval of the Agreement.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and other Government Ministers – including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Minister for European Affairs and Defence, among others – along with officials have engaged extensively at EU level to voice our concerns with the Agreement. That engagement was sustained over time and took place across multiple forums and in both formal and informal settings, with fellow EU Member States and with the European Commission. These included European Council meetings, sectoral Council meetings, bilateral engagements in EU Member State capitals, numerous phone calls at ministerial level, working party-level meetings, and direct dialogue with the European Commission, including during a focused visit by Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic to Ireland in October last year and a Commission senior officials visit to Ireland to meet with stakeholders in May last year.
It is in this spirit of engagement that the Government acts in good faith within the Council of the EU to promote Irish interests and to seek to address Irish concerns in discussions with other Member States and with the European Commission in its role as negotiator of trade agreements on behalf of the EU.
As a result of efforts made by Ireland and like-minded Member States in the Council of the EU, it is important to state that hard-won improvements have been made to the overall Agreement package, including a new legal act to operationalise bilateral safeguards to protect sensitive products, a financial safety net for farmers, strengthened sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls along with a 50% increase in audits and checks, and commitments on the alignment of production and SPS standards, notably on pesticides and animal welfare. The Commission also committed on 7 January to enhance the availability of CAP funding to farmers and rural communities under the proposed new MFF.
We take note of the decision of the European Parliament to refer the deal to the European Court. The Government will continue to engage with the Commission and with other EU Member States in the time ahead to ensure the full implementation of the commitments obtained from the Commission to address our concerns with the Agreement, should the Agreement be implemented.
80. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025. [8052/26]
View answer93. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will advance the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025, for goods and services, with urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8694/26]
View answer122. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the progress of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8705/26]
View answer129. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the timeframe in which she intends to introduce legislation to prohibit the trade in goods and services with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. [8711/26]
View answerIn June 2025, 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 received the Attorney General’s advice on the question of whether the inclusion of services in the Bill is permissible under EU law. The advice, which is detailed and extensive, identifies a number of significant legal and practical issues with the regulation by a Member State of trade in services with a country or territory outside the EU. Following detailed consideration by officials in my Department, clarification has been sought from the Attorney General on a number of legal issues.
Any legislation must be legally robust, able to withstand challenge and progress the Government's broader policy agenda.
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.
81. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the continued detention in Hong Kong of businessman and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, the harassment of one of his lawyers and an Irish citizen (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8209/26]
View answerIreland has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the human rights situation in Hong Kong, including the specific case of Jimmy Lai, the reports of his deteriorating health condition and the possibility that the charges against him could carry a maximum sentence of imprisonment for life. Officials at the Consulate General of Ireland in Hong Kong have been following this case, alongside our EU colleagues, since its beginning.
The recent developments in this case further strengthen our concerns that the introduction of the National Security Law in June 2020 and the subsequent legislation adopted in March 2023 are having a chilling effect on human rights in Hong Kong.
The EU’s statement on the verdict in the Jimmy Lai case on 15 December 2025 underlined that a free and independent media is vital for resilient societies and ensuring government accountability. Ireland shares this view, and agrees that the developments in the case are emblematic of the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.
The Government continues to raise our concerns with regard to the situation in Hong Kong at the bilateral level with Chinese officials, including most recently during the visit to China by the Taoiseach in January. At the multilateral level, Ireland’s national statement at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) reiterated our concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression, and called for the right to freedom of assembly and association to be respected in Hong Kong. At the last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of China at the HRC in 2024, Ireland called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists.
On the details supplied, officials from my Department have met with this Irish citizen and other members of Mr. Lai’s international legal team. The descriptions of the harassment that this human rights lawyer has experienced in course of their work, including the threats that have been made against the individual and their family, are abhorrent and unacceptable.
Any unlawful coercion, threat or harassment that occurs within the State should be reported to An Garda Síochána. In terms of any incidents that may have occurred abroad, Irish citizens can contact An Garda Síochána if they are currently in Ireland. If an Irish citizen is abroad, they should, where possible, report such incidents to the relevant local authorities.
82. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her Department's recent engagements with the government of Ukraine in relation to the ongoing conflict, and efforts made to reach a ceasefire. [8762/26]
View answer89. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is working to secure a just and lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8339/26]
View answer116. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had any engagement with her Ukrainian counterpart; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8292/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 89 and 116 together.
Ireland’s support for Ukraine is unwavering and remains a key focus of my engagements with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and in Brussels.
This war and the threat posed by Russia is not only an existential issue for Ukraine, but is a major challenge to the security of Europe. Support for Ukraine remains a top priority for the EU, and for Ireland.
Russia’s aggression features prominently every month at the Foreign Affairs Council. Meetings of the Council provide an important opportunity to coordinate with my EU counterparts on how we can enhance support for Ukraine to defend against and deter future Russian aggression.
I attended the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January where Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha spoke about the situation in Ukraine and about the devastating impact of recent Russian attacks on the energy system there.
The Foreign Affairs Council also considered the latest political developments and the role to be played by the EU and its member states in any settlement proposals that may emerge.
I met bilaterally with Minister Sybiha during the visit of President Zelenskyy to Ireland in December 2025, where I reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
During President Zelenskyy’s visit, the Roadmap for Ireland-Ukraine cooperation until 2030 was adopted. This includes a wide range of measures to promote deeper cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland.
Ireland continues to participate in meetings of the Coalition of the Willing and was most recently represented by Minister McEntee at the 6 January meeting in Paris. The meeting focused on advancing preparations for robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ireland has provided extensive political, humanitarian, non-lethal military and economic support to Ukraine since February 2022. In terms of direct financial support, Ireland has provided €173 million in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports to date.
In 2025, the Government provided €200 million in non-lethal military support to Ukraine. Much of this support is for non-lethal elements of air defence procured in partnership with Denmark and Lithuania. Ireland has also made contributions of €66 million to the European Peace Facility for non-lethal military support to Ukraine.
Ireland will continue to work with our EU and international partners towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace on Ukraine’s terms, based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and with justice and accountability at its heart.
83. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will consider restricting Saint Patrick’s Day engagements with the Trump administration in light of the execution of protesters, kidnapping of a head of state and threats towards Greenland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8702/26]
View answerThe Government has ambitious and impactful plans to promote Ireland across the United States as part of our global Saint Patrick's Day programme this year. In addition to the Taoiseach visit to Washington, seven Government Ministers, as well as the Ceann Comhairle will travel to cities across the US.
The traditional Saint Patrick's Day engagement in Washington D.C. is an important opportunity for the Taoiseach to engage both with the US Administration and Congress, and with a wide range of business, cultural and diaspora leaders on all aspects of the US-Ireland relations, and wider global issues. Similar engagements by other Government Ministers with state and city level political leaders, including Governors and Mayors, are vital to build strategic partnerships and relationships at every level across the US.
The geopolitical environment in which we are operating is challenging, complex and increasingly unpredictable, including from a security and economic perspective. This underlines the importance of consistent engagement, dialogue and diplomacy. That includes engaging on issues where we disagree and voicing our views and concerns.
84. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Government's position in relation to potential increased tariffs; and the preparations it is making for same. [8760/26]
View answerThe announcement by President Trump of additional 10% tariffs effective from 1 February against eight European countries that had joined an exercise in Greenland to enhance Arctic security was deeply troubling and regrettable.
The Irish Government welcomed the President’s subsequent announcement ruling out these tariffs following agreement on a framework for negotiations on issues related to Greenland.
We have taken a step back from a political and trade conflict from which there would be no winners. The additional tariffs threatened would have undermined transatlantic relations and are incompatible with the EU-US Joint Statement. The most sensible way forward to resolve issues of concern to the US is through dialogue and engagement, in keeping with the tradition of transatlantic cooperation.
The Irish Government coordinated closely with our EU and wider European partners in response to developments. I reviewed the situation on 19 January at a meeting with the High Representative and fellow foreign ministers. The Taoiseach discussed the issue and next steps in EU-US relations with colleagues at the European Council on 22 January. Furthermore, on 23 January I convened a meeting of the Government Trade Forum to discuss developments directly with stakeholders. I also discussed the broader situation with colleagues at Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January.
I am continuing my engagements this week in Washington emphasising the need for the EU and the US to work together towards a new transatlantic trade and investment relationship based on shared values and common goals and that both sides must live up to their commitments and implement the EU-US Joint Statement.
85. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the number of passports issued during 2025, with a breakdown per passport office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8194/26]
View answerIn 2025 the Passport Service successfully responded to demand and issued 933,121 passports.
To date in 2026, the Passport Service has issued over 79,000 passports. Passport applications are being issued at, or ahead of, their target turnaround time and there are no backlogs.
With regard to the Deputy's query about a breakdown of passports per passport office, the Passport Service is a national service with processing offices in Dublin 2, Balbriggan Co. Dublin and Cork.
The Passport Service operates three passport book printing machines: two are located in the main production facility at the Balbriggan campus and the third machine is located in the Dublin 2 office. The printing and dispatching of passports is a highly automated process in what is, essentially, an industrial production system. While the Cork office operates an urgent appointment service for residents of the region and includes entitlement officers who review and approve both domestic and non-domestic applications, passports are printed and dispatched to customers from the passport offices in Dublin.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
The Passport Service recommends that applicants allow plenty of time for a passport to issue. It is best practice to book holidays and travel only when in possession of a valid passport.
In particular, those who are travelling this year, especially families with young children who require their first passport, should apply online and in plenty of time.
The Passport Online service allows citizens to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to 100% of all applicants globally.
86. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her assessment of the EU-India trade agreement; the way in which it will benefit Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8353/26]
View answerAt a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty, driven by a dynamic geopolitical backdrop and a rapidly evolving landscape for international trade, it is vital that the EU and Ireland diversify our markets with new, global partners.
The Irish Government welcomed last week's announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the conclusion of an EU-India trade deal as part of the 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi. This is the largest trade deal ever concluded by either side.
The elimination or reduction in tariffs over the next 10 years covers 96.6% of EU goods exports to India. As a result, the European Commission forecasts that the deal will double EU goods exports to India by 2032.
The deal will grant EU and Irish businesses access to the world’s most populous country of 1.45 billion people and fastest growing large economy. This is especially important in the context of the fragmented trading environment we find ourselves in and will hedge against the geopolitical challenges we face.
Crucially, this agreement will see improved market access for Irish and EU exporters with lower or eliminated tariffs in a broad range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices and technology as well as machinery and equipment. These sectors are of the utmost strategic importance for our economy and the vast majority of industrial products will ultimately be subject to full tariff elimination.
We also welcome the significant reduction in tariffs on spirits, including Irish whiskey. This will give our whiskey producers a major boost and create new opportunities to grow sales in one of the most dynamic consumer markets in the world. There are wider benefits for the agrifood sector for sheep meat and some pork products, while our most sensitive sectors are excluded from the Agreement.
In addition to tariff reduction, there will also be a simplification of customs procedures, enhanced transparency and dedicated contact points put in place to provide SMEs with relevant information on the deal.
Ireland has a strong presence in India through our Embassy in New Delhi and Consulate General in Mumbai, and our Team Ireland approach will help Irish businesses take full advantage of the opportunities this deal presents.
88. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on Ireland's implementation of, and adherence to, the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, which Ireland co-sponsored, arising from the ruling of the International Court of Justice in the case of the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. [8626/26]
View answerThe Government’s analysis that Israel’s occupation is unlawful was confirmed by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory of 19 July 2024.
Ireland supported Resolution 10/24 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 September 2024, which demanded that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion.
The resolution mandated that a conference be held within twelve months. Ireland was a Co-Chair of one of the Working Groups that prepared the High-Level Conference and its associated outcome document. Ireland also contributed written inputs to all Working Groups.
When the High Level Conference concluded in September 2025, the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was foreseen as the vehicle to take forward implementation of the High Level Conference outcome document, known as the New York Declaration.
On 28 January 2026, Ireland convened a meeting of the Global Alliance in Dublin as a concrete contribution to the work of the Global Alliance, drawing lessons from our own peace process.
In addition, on 24 June 2025, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill. The General Scheme delivered on the commitment in the Programme for Government to progress legislation prohibiting import of goods from the settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory following the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024.
The Government has received the Attorney General’s advice on the question of whether the inclusion of services in the Bill is permissible under EU law. The advice, which is detailed and extensive, identifies a number of significant legal and practical issues with the regulation by a Member State of trade in services with a country or territory outside the EU. Following detailed consideration by officials in my Department, clarification has been sought from the Attorney General on a number of legal issues.
Any legislation must be legally robust, able to withstand challenge and progress the Government's broader policy agenda.
It remains the Government’s preference that collective action would be taken at EU level and we continue to pursue this. The Government has always been of the view that the EU-Israel Association Agreement must be interpreted and applied in accordance with the obligations of the EU and its Member States under international law.
The Tánaiste, in his capacity as then-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, wrote to High Representative Kallas in advance of the June Foreign Affairs Council to ask how the Commission assesses the impact on the EU-Israel Association Agreement of the ICJ Advisory Opinion of July 2024.
The High Representative responded to this letter on 17 October, indicating the Commission’s view that the EU’s current approach is in line with the spirit and letter of the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
Ireland’s assessment is different. Ireland will continue to call for the EU to take concrete action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles.
