Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
275. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland has raised at EU level the Knesset bills introducing a form of racialised capital punishment against the Palestinian people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10347/26]
View answerIreland is very concerned about proposed legislative measures to expand the scope of the death penalty and revive its implementation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy. The right to life is a fundamental human right and Ireland is strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances. The final and irreversible nature of the death penalty underlines the impropriety of its use as a criminal punishment. Accordingly, Ireland continues to seek its abolition, in Israel and universally.
Last December, the EU Ambassador to Israel delivered a démarche to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the draft Death Penalty legislation on behalf of the EU and its Member States.
Ireland urges Israel to withdraw the proposed legislative amendments and to maintain the longstanding de facto moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty entirely.
Ireland will continue to press for appropriate EU action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. Ireland has made clear our view that the EU must keep the package of measures proposed in response to Israeli human rights and other breaches on the table.
