Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 February 2025
7. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; the progress to date on any amendments or new legislation in this regard, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Programme for Government, the situation in the Middle East remains a central foreign policy priority, notably advocating for a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the realisation of the two-State solution.
Settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the realisation of the two-State solution.
As the House is aware, in light of the July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice and the subsequent advice of the Attorney General, the Government decided to review the Occupied Territories Bill. The Government’s analysis is that substantive amendments would be required to most, if not all, of the Bill’s provisions in order to bring it in line with the Constitution and to try to reduce the risk of EU infringement procedures.
Work will be progressed in line with the Programme for Government. In parallel, Ireland continues to press for action at the EU level in light of the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
