Helen McEntee
Meath East · Fine Gael · Ireland
“There are no new missions, so there is only so much we can partake in. In regard to UN requests over the past ten years, in September 2019, we had 14 Defence Forces personnel deployed to a UN mission in Mali as part of a joint operation with the German armed forces.”
“I thank the Deputy for his continued engagement on this matter. It is appreciated and I reaffirm our shared commitment to truth and justice, not least for Private Rooney, but in particular for his family.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I know he is committed to this issue; I am too. I have in recent months spent some time travelling to different barracks and Army bases and meeting with personnel. What I see all over the country is their professionalism, dedication and commitment.”
“I disagree that people are being pushed into the courts. The situation is exactly the opposite. I have said in the Chamber many times since I started taking these questions that the State Claims Agency is there and wants to mediate and work directly with people in order that cases do not go directly to the courts.”
“We are all committed to strengthening recruitment to and supporting retention in the Permanent Defence Force. The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,823 personnel on 31 May, the most recent date for which we have a figure available.”
“It is the case that no mission is the same, so it is also a matter for the Defence Forces to assess and scope out the mission and then to decide whether it is a mission we can partake in. A question keeps being asked about what it is we would not be able to be a part of if we were to keep the triple lock.”
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“As time previously did not allow, I wish to stress that the European Commission is providing financial support. For all the reasons the Deputy outlined, it is important that humanitarian aid and support is provided. There is €2 million in aid in response to the crisis currently. That follows €4 million of EU funding approved as a regional allocation to the Caribbean, which was primarily allocated to the response in Cuba. In 2025, almost €6 million was provided for disaster preparedness and emergency response. A twin approach is needed. As the Deputy said, it is about providing that direct humanitarian assistance but also making sure this does not fall off the political or international agendas.”
“In the past year, the central emergency response fund has allocated €6.4 million to UN agencies in Cuba. The IFRC has allocated €1 million and the START Network has allocated €270,000 to Care International for its work in Cuba. Ireland has also committed €100,000 through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to support Cuba to build capacity and develop a strategy to respond efficiently to extreme events, such as hurricanes. Ireland will continue to engage with its humanitarian partners to assess needs.”
“Restricting the flow of basic goods, and particularly fuel, to Cuba heightens the suffering of ordinary Cubans. The Deputy's colleague discussed this last night. Due to the lack of fuel, we can see the impact it is having on the ability of farmers to be able to tillage, plough and deliver food. The impact that is then having on cities and people more generally is becoming more profound and something that we are extremely concerned about. Ireland provides ongoing humanitarian assistance directly to Cuba through funding to global positioned humanitarian funds, which work with local partners to deliver assistance. These include the United Nation's central emergency response fund, the International Federation of Red Cross, IFRC, and the Red Crescent Societies' disaster relief emergency fund and the START Network.”
“I, too, condemn the attacks last night. It makes it all the more important - in terms of our focus and priority during the Presidency - to ensure that we do everything possible, not just to support Ukraine but also to maintain pressure on Russia. That is something we very much communicated and engaged directly on with President Zelenskyy yesterday. I thank the Deputy for raising this question. As a country, we are monitoring the humanitarian situation in Cuba. I very much echo the UN Secretary General's concern at the growing humanitarian crisis in the country. Our position on the embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba is long-standing and clear. We have consistently voted for UN resolutions calling for the ending of the embargo, most recently last October at the UN General Assembly.”
“I look forward to working closely with colleagues across this House, with our European partners and with all stakeholders to ensure that Ireland’s Presidency is a success, and most important, one that delivers for people in Ireland, people in Europe and for our shared future.”
“This is something we must do as a country to make sure we protect, not just our citizens, but also our critical infrastructure while working closely with member states across the EU. I look forward to hosting a dedicated maritime security conference in Dublin in October 2026 where we will bring together owners and operators of critical maritime infrastructure, maritime security policy and legal experts and EU defence policy representatives. Ireland has delivered effectively on our responsibilities in our Presidency of the Council on seven previous occasions, from our first Presidency in 1975 to our most recent term in 2013. I am confident that we will do so again on this occasion.”
“Russia's shadow fleet continues to pose a threat to European maritime security so Ireland will encourage and promote co-ordinated EU monitoring and surveillance measures targeting shadow fleet activities in European waters. Greater information-sharing between member states, the implementation of EU sanctions and the reinforcing of the legal framework underpinning our maritime domain are ways to address this threat. I say all this being clear that our constitutional situation and our prerogative and position as a neutral country are not in conflict with everything I outlined. We need to and can work more closely with member states, invest in our economic security and security more broadly, protect critical infrastructure and respond to emerging threats.”
“The CSDP framework provides an invaluable contribution to our collective safety and the Irish Presidency will actively promote its development and evolution. To secure our borders and networks, we will advance work on the proposed regulation on military mobility, tackle pressing maritime security challenges, safeguard the security of critical infrastructure and strengthen the Union's collective cybersecurity defences. During our Presidency, Ireland will support the mid-term review of the EU maritime security strategy while focusing on the work we are doing at home, identifying and increasing maritime domain awareness, combating the shadow fleet, and increasing member states’ co-operation on maritime domain awareness, particularly through mechanisms like the common information sharing environment, CISE.”
“As I have said before in this House, it is imperative that the EU and its member states continue to provide Ukraine with the support that it needs but that we actively work towards our own security strategy to ensure that the Union can respond dynamically to today's challenges. The Presidency will advance the measures set out in the White Paper on the future of European defence, the associated defence readiness roadmap 2030, and vital new initiatives on joint defence procurement. True security requires us to address critical capability gaps. We will support deep collaboration to build European resilience, particularly in the face of sophisticated hybrid threats which affect all member states, including Ireland. We will continue to highlight the central role of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP.”
“As I mentioned, Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the devastating conflicts across the Middle East and the Gulf, and the rapid evolution of hybrid threats and new forms of warfare, including cyber and hybrid threats, present profound challenges to our Continent and have revealed vulnerabilities that all EU member states, including Ireland, must confront. These crises have made one thing unquestionably clear: Europe must invest heavily in all dimensions of its own security and rapidly develop its defence capabilities. As we take up the Presidency, Ireland will work tirelessly to advance concrete measures that strengthen our security, resilience and defence.”
“Ongoing EU support, notably through the PEACEPLUS programme, continues to underpin our efforts to strengthen reconciliation, deepen understanding and foster a shared, peaceful future together. The international security environment has changed radically in the past decade. The need for measures to enhance European security and to build our resilience has never been more evident. We know that no country acting alone can address the entirety of existing and emerging security challenges. The Irish Presidency will contribute actively to the ongoing development of our security and defence.”
“We must reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, which will bring much-needed relief to the global economy and to our societies. The situation in Lebanon remains extremely concerning. It is important that the EU continues to support the Lebanese Government in its efforts to bring peace and stability to the country. We do not approach the challenge of peacebuilding from a purely theoretical standpoint. The experience of peace on the island of Ireland illustrates the profound importance of dialogue, partnership and sustained international support. The success of the peace process in Northern Ireland, achieved through the commitment of communities and institutions, and heavily backed by the European Union, reflects the unique history of our island.”
“The Government’s preference remains that collective action would be taken at EU level. This would have greater impact and is the strongest and most effective route. We continue to actively pursue this. The Commission will bring forward proposals as regards trade with settlements before our first, and my first, Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July. We take on the Presidency today. I will again press for action on an EU-level ban on trade with the settlements. We will also support EU efforts toward stability in Lebanon, Syria and the wider Middle East. We welcome ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States to end the conflict in the Gulf. We must ensure that this brings real and sustainable peace to the region.”
“We will promote active diplomatic engagement to support lasting peace and security in the Middle East, reaffirming the EU's commitment to a two-state solution. We will continue to work with key partners to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. We will also not lose sight of the sharply deteriorating situation in the West Bank, where massive settlement expansion and rampant and escalating settler violence continues in an atmosphere of impunity. Alongside the situation in Lebanon, these developments demand a serious response. Reflecting our commitment to upholding international law and in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles, the Government has taken the decision to advance the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill.”
“During the Irish Presidency, we will work tirelessly to enhance the Union's steadfast support for Ukraine and maintain pressure on Russia to end its brutal war. Continued political, humanitarian, military and financial support for Ukraine, alongside robust sanctions to pressure Russia, remains an absolute priority. We will continue to demand a just and lasting peace, upholding the fundamental principle that borders cannot be changed by force. It is time for Russia to agree to a ceasefire and to engage in meaningful negotiations towards peace. The Irish Presidency will work to maintain the EU's deep engagement with the United Nations, consistently promoting human rights, women's rights, gender equality and the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons worldwide.”
“They do not weaken us; they underpin our competitiveness and our security. Now more than ever, the EU must defend and vindicate these values. Our Presidency will make the safety of children online a central priority. We will advocate for an EU-level decision on the digital age of majority, champion robust, privacy-preserving age verification measures, and listen directly to children's views on their own safety. As Ireland takes on the responsibility of the Council Presidency, our values will be central to our policy. Ukraine continues to endure brutal, illegal Russian aggression against its people and its territory. The war has caused profound human suffering and systematic destruction of Ukraine's infrastructure, economy and environment.”
“It is about supporting business to grow and innovate to allow people to prosper. That is the overall objective and there are many ways in which we intend to do that. The values that we share are the foundation of our Union. They are part of what makes Europe a good place to live and work, and they underpin our competitiveness and security. Fundamentally, they are the very bedrock of who we are. Our Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, as enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. These values, mirrored in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are the foundation that makes Europe a safe, prosperous place to live and work.”
“We will also continue to advocate, as I have in recent months, for the development of a task force to set out a more strategic framework for the life science sector - looking at not just the pharmaceutical sector but also the medical technology sector - to ensure we are planning for the future of those importance industries not just for Ireland but for the EU, and doing so in a strategic way. To put it bluntly, we want to ensure that through our competitiveness agenda, in all of the priorities I have outlined and all the actions, policies and legislative files that we progress, we are making it easier for people to do business. It is about removing some of the bureaucracy that we know has come to the fore in recent years. It is about getting rid of duplication. It is about making it easier to access money.”
“We will work to create an innovation-friendly regulatory environment that drives strategic sectors, including semiconductors, biotechnology and new technologies, while simultaneously prioritising support for our traditional competitive farming and fishing industries. The Irish Presidency will continue to advance educational mobility through the Erasmus+ programme, ensuring our workforce is highly skilled and adaptable. Healthy societies are fundamentally productive and competitive. Health innovation is not a secondary concern but a central contributor to Europe's technological leadership. Accordingly, we will prioritise and advance vital legislation on biotechnology and medical devices, driving the long-term innovation, resilience and competitiveness of this indispensable sector.”
“To secure our future, our Presidency will seek to strengthen the EU's capabilities and capacities in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, AI, while firmly advancing the Union's position as a global leader in responsible digital governance. The Irish Presidency will convene governments and global stakeholders for an international AI summit, which will be the flagship business event of our Presidency. This landmark forum will focus on a clear double objective: harnessing immense digital opportunities while empowering our people to thrive in a digital society. Economic leadership in the 21st century requires absolute resilience in our physical and regulatory infrastructure. Our Presidency will advance work on digital networks, focusing critical investments on subsea telecom connectivity and the security of subsea cables.”
“Through all of these actions, we will lead the way in phasing out dependence on fossil fuel imports and securing long-term economic sovereignty for our partners and our people. We have in the past few months alone seen the impact that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had. We saw the impact on fuel prices, commodities and prices more generally. We need to phase out our dependence on external fossil fuel imports. Fifth, we must look to the horizon and work towards systematically building Europe's digital and technological sovereignty. We are living through an era of unprecedented transformative change.”
“We will ensure that the work around the digital dialogue that needs to happen will continue. That is a matter I have been pushing with my colleagues. Fourth, and crucially, we must step up all efforts to respond to the exceptional energy crisis facing Europe. Geopolitical instability has laid bare our collective vulnerability, making it an absolute diplomatic and economic necessity that we act. We will prioritise work to enhance Europe's security of supply and the development of sustainable, affordable and secure energy systems. During our Presidency, we will support and advance all EU efforts to strengthen economic resilience. Guided by the promote-protect-partner principles that support our economic security, we will work to bolster our supply chain resilience.”
“I will take responsibility for driving this in my role as chair of the meetings of EU trade ministers, including the informal meeting in Dublin in October. We will work to strengthen our trade relationships and diversify our markets, advancing trade negotiations with important partners and looking to new markets in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, in line with commitments in the One Europe, One Market roadmap. I will start that engagement next week when I travel to the Gulf to meet with our partners in the region. We will seek to build an ambitious EU-US trade and investment relationship, building on the work that has been done to date, including the ongoing implementation of the EU-US joint statement, which benefits all of us.”
“Under our second strategic building block, the Irish Presidency will work to eliminate barriers, tackle regulatory burdens, boost Internal Market trade, drive digital transformation and ensure a level playing field for businesses operating across the EU. Third, we must match our global diplomatic strategy with a bold, enterprising economic vision. Faced with rising trade uncertainty and fragmentation, we need to be more driven and adaptive than ever before. Our Presidency will pursue an ambitious, open, rules- and values-based trade policy agenda that supports European competitiveness, resilience and economic security, and strengthens our trade relationships with reliable global partners.”
“Success will require all member states and each institution to work purposefully together in a spirit of co-operation and compromise in the interests of every citizen and business right across the Union. Our work will be guided by five strategic building blocks. First, we will work to simplify rules to ensure a smarter, more coherent regulatory framework for citizens and businesses and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. This is not about reducing or getting rid of regulation; it is about better regulation overall. The Single Market is the foundation of Europe’s economy and prosperity.”
“As Members will be aware, the specific objectives we will pursue in our Presidency are set out in detail in the policy programme we published last month. In order to deliver a secure economic future, one that meets the needs and expectations of its people, Europe must act urgently to enhance its competitiveness and productivity. The Irish Presidency aims to make decisive progress in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, focusing on the blueprint for action that was agreed by the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission in the One Europe, One Market roadmap. This will be a core priority for our Presidency. Given the urgency of the task and the fact we have discussed and debated many of these issues for some time now, the targets, while ambitious and challenging, are ones we are certainly ambitious in wanting to achieve.”
“The Irish EU Presidency will focus its efforts on enhancing the competitiveness of our economy, safeguarding the values of our Union at home and abroad, and providing for the security of our citizens. These core themes – competitiveness, values and security – are closely interlinked. They are mutually reinforcing. They will guide our work across all dimensions of our Presidency role. We will also strive for progress in a number of important areas which link all three of these thematic pillars. These include the Union’s ongoing support for Ukraine and our global engagement and relationships with key partners. This was reiterated in our engagement today with President Zelenskyy, who was very welcome here as part of our opening ceremony.”
“As holders of the Presidency, we will lead a collective effort, and we know we can depend on the support and co-operation of our fellow member states as we work together in the interests of people, communities and businesses right across Europe. We will build on the excellent work of the Cypriot Presidency, which has guided the agenda of the Council so effectively throughout the first half of 2026. It has achieved significant progress in many areas. I again thank it and my colleagues for the huge amount of work done over the six months. In turn, we will seek to lay strong foundations for further progress in important areas of policy during the Presidency terms of our Trio partners, in other words working closely with Lithuania and Greece.”
“Our Presidency provides Ireland with a platform and an opportunity to lead member states in this response, seeking to build consensus on how we respond to the challenges facing Europe, how we deliver practical progress on behalf of all European citizens and how, importantly, we seize the opportunities available to us. Ireland brings to this role a strong track record as a committed and constructive member state of the EU. Our experience, values and diplomatic tradition equip us well to navigate the complexities of the Presidency. For me, this is not just an institutional obligation; it is a profound personal responsibility. The Irish Presidency will be guided by the old Irish proverb "Ní neart go cur le chéile", and our guiding star will be just that: strength in unity.”
“The EU is navigating its most turbulent geopolitical era in decades, defined by Russian aggression in Ukraine, escalating conflicts in the Middle East and a volatile global trade environment. We are facing an environment where economic interdependence is frequently weaponised, challenging our traditional reliance on a strictly rules-based international order. Across the Union, we are responding by strengthening our economic resilience, advancing the green and digital transitions and reaffirming our commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.”
“I mo cháil mar Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála, is geal liom go bhfuil deis agam inniu aitheasc a thabhairt os comhair na Dála, ar an gcéad lá d’ochtú hUachtaránacht na hÉireann ar Chomhairle an Aontais Eorpaigh. As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I welcome the opportunity to address the Dáil today, the first day of Ireland’s eighth Presidency of the Council of the EU. I thank colleagues for attending the opening ceremony but particularly wish to use this opportunity to thank the wonderful choir, Defence Forces band, artists and singers, in particular those who contributed today. They really added to the sense of occasion and gave people a sense of what was to come in the months ahead. We take on the Presidency role at a crucial time for Europe. Why do I say that?”
“We might not agree on every element but I sincerely believe that implementing this legislation will send the strongest message possible that we do not accept the actions of the Israeli Government, that we fully support the need to protect the possibility of a two-state solution, which is the only possible solution for peace within the region, and that we will continue to do everything we can to support those who are suffering unimaginable humanitarian issues at the moment. I believe that Ireland can continue to lead in this regard.”
“I say this not just as a representative of the Government. We have all that in this House from an Irish perspective. Throughout this debate, we are reminded that this is essentially about people. It is about protecting the possibility of a just peace. We cannot lose sight of the immense human cost of this conflict in the lives lost, the families shattered and the generations of Palestinians and Israelis who deserve a future free from violence and fear. I look forward to working with colleagues in this House as we continue our discussions and progress this important legislation in the coming weeks. I hope we can work together collectively to implement this legislation.”
“I was pleased that agreement could be reached on this in the past month. We next need to ensure that focus and pressure remain. When I attend the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, I will reiterate that we do not just focus on banning travel for extremist ministers in Israel or on the need for a vote to suspend the trade element of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, but that at national level we replicate what we are doing in this Chamber and that the EU support a full ban on trade with the occupied territories at European level. It is clear that our position has been consistent. We have led from the front on the recognition of Palestine. We have led from the front on the issue of trade with settlements and we will continue to lead on the need for effective EU action.”
“I also welcome today that 460 former and current European political leaders, diplomats and public figures published a joint appeal calling on the European Union to take stronger action in response to Israel's conduct in the West Bank. It is welcome, and I hope it will show progress and a greater level of support for the actions I have outlined. The Taoiseach wrote to European Council President in the past month reiterating Ireland's position on the EU trade ban with Israel and requesting an urgent discussion among EU leaders, so we are not just discussing this at a Foreign Affairs Council or the European Council, but that this is front and centre in Council meetings. As Minister, I have repeatedly called for member states to sanction extremist settlers and entities and those that enable them.”
“I have reiterated Ireland's previous calls to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, or at a minimum to suspend the trade element of the agreement as previously proposed by the President of the European Commission. This is in itself would have a significant impact in monetary terms on the overall Israeli economy. I believe it would impact change in its decision-making. Ireland's position has increasingly been echoed across Europe. From November when I took on this role to the most recent meeting I attended, the number of member states speaking out and speaking up and that actively want to see Europe to take a stronger stance, and a stronger position has changed and increased. Ireland along with many other member states has brought us to that position.”
“At Foreign Affairs Councils I have consistently called on the European Commission to bring forward proposals to prohibit EU trade with Israeli settlements on the basis of the EU's Common Commercial Policy. A ban on trade with Israeli settlements at the EU level has the scope to be more comprehensive, have a wider impact and, in our view, is essential to ensure that the Common Commercial Policy meets the requirements of international law. Working closely with European partners, we have managed to build a greater consensus. We have for the first time built a consensus for sanctions against violent Israeli settlers responsible for attacks on Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, while also supporting EU sanctions against Hamas leaders and those responsible for the atrocious terrorist violence on 7 October.”
“While we are moving ahead on settlement trade at national level, which is the legislation we are discussing today, our preference as stated to this House many times is that collective action be taken at EU level. This will have a much greater impact. I am absolutely convinced that if the EU were to act to progress legislation at European level and all 27 member states responded collectively and effectively, we would have a greater ability to change the direction and actions of the Israeli Government. I fundamentally believe this. We need to do more. The EU has not done enough. I have consistently called for further action and will continue to do so throughout our Presidency.”
“Since taking on this role last November, I have ensured that Ireland remains at the forefront of every effort to support peace and human dignity by ensuring we uphold international law and that this issue is raised at every Council meeting I attend. Under the leadership of then Taoiseach, Deputy Simon Harris, Ireland recognised the State of Palestine. We did this alongside Spain and Norway. When it became clear that the prospects of both were diminishing, Ireland did not hesitate to lead on recognising the State of Palestine. We took this decision, despite some strong criticism, because we believed it was the right thing to do. Every decision we have taken with regard to Israel, Palestine and the current situation in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon have been based on the right thing to do. This brings me to actions at EU level.”
“This contributes more broadly to our ability to lead internationally and to make a difference in progressing the overall objective here. To that effect, Ireland has shown leadership on this issue. We were the first EU country to announce our intention to prohibit the importation of settlement goods and the Government stated clearly at the time that we hoped this would encourage other countries to follow our example. This is what has happened. Spain has introduced legislation. The Netherlands and Belgium are also aligned with our progressive legislation. They are progressing their own legislation, as is Norway. We of course hope to see many others. All are primarily focused on the prohibition of the importation of goods from Israeli settlements.”
“Services are in many cases digital or intangible and subject to a number of different regulatory regimes. The World Trade Organization's General Agreement on Trade in Services regulates global trade in services classified into 12 separate sectors and 150 subsectors. The European Single Market is a lot less harmonised in respect of trade in services than it is for trade in goods. It splits services across a variety of EU legislation. Essentially the implication is that the implementation of this becomes significantly more challenging. The Government must ensure at all times that there is balance in all of the measures it takes, including consideration of any potential economic consequences. This Government will always take a responsible course of action.”
“The Government has sought and received advice from the Attorney General on the legal permissibility of an EU member state adopting measures to prohibit trade in services with a third country or territory. In the case of goods, a public policy exemption exists in the EU regulation that controls the import of goods. This allows member states to adopt prohibitions on the import of goods for public policy reasons. There is no equivalent or similar broad public policy exemption relating to external trade in services. Second, it is the Government's considered view that there would be huge challenges regarding the effective implementation and enforcement of restrictions on trade in services. By its very nature, trade in services is broad and wide-ranging.”
“Section 8 provides for information sharing and is designed to allow the relevant bodies to work together to effectively enforce the Bill. The remaining sections are all relatively standard provisions and deal with issues such as data protection and other technical issues. There has been a lot of focus on what is not covered by the Bill with several suggestions that we are perhaps watering down the Bill because it does not cover services. I will address this directly. This Government has always been clear on what is possible in bringing forward legislation. We have a responsibility to ensure that any legislation is legally robust and able to withstand challenge. This would not be the case with respect to services.”
“An importer from one of these postal codes can apply to the Revenue Commissioners for an exemption if their goods originate in the non-settlement part of the listed postal code. Before issuing such an exemption, the Revenue Commissioners will make inquires via the European Commission, or if necessary via another body such as the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv, to ascertain the precise origin of the goods. This process for checking more or less replicates the current system we have. To facilitate the implementation of the process set out above, section 7 sets out the amendments to be made to section 45 of the Customs Act to allow for the importer to be notified of the decision of the Revenue Commissioners and to provide the importer with the right to appeal.”
“A standard exemption is provided for those goods of a non-commercial nature that form part of an individual's personal baggage and are intended for his or her personal consumption or use. This applies in other areas as well. Sections 6 and 7 deal with the matter of possible exemptions and appeals. As I mentioned earlier, a list of postal codes that correspond to Israeli settlements are set out under a technical arrangement concluded between the EU and the government of Israel. Some of these postcodes encompass an area that includes both a settlement area, and an area within Israel proper, and therefore even under the current system they already require some basic checks to determine the precise origin of the goods. Section 6 is aimed at addressing this issue.”
“It is proposed that, under the legislation, goods originating in Israeli settlements would become "goods subject to any prohibition or restriction on importation" within the meaning of that phrase for the purpose of the Customs Act 2015. Once the Bill is enacted and commenced, it will be an offence under section 14 of the Customs Act to import settlement goods, and the provision of that Act concerning search, seizure and forfeiture will be available in respect of settlement goods. There has already been some disinformation suggesting that this Bill will target individuals. I will provide clarity on this point. The Bill will prohibit the import of commercial goods from Israeli settlements.”
“Practically speaking, the approach set out in the Bill essentially develops and updates Ireland's implementation of the existing obligations placed upon operators and customs authorities to distinguish between goods from the State of Israel and settlement goods under the EU-Israel Technical Arrangement, to ensure compliance with international law. Section 5 prohibits the importation of goods originating in postal codes proscribed by order of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Any such importation will thereby become an offence under section 14 of the Customs Act 2015. The Bill does not create any new offences in and of itself.”
“This is to ensure that importers are aware of which locations are not eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. As the postal codes listed under the EU-Israel Technical Arrangement are periodically updated, section 4 allows the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, following consultation with the Minister for Finance, to amend or replace the list of proscribed postal codes. If new settlements are constructed, they will therefore be captured by the updated list of postcodes at the EU level, and our own list of proscribed postcodes will be updated accordingly.”
“This report and its recommendations have been carefully considered in the period since publication and in the development of the Bill. I will outline the detailed provisions of the Bill, with a particular focus on the key sections of the Bill. Sections 1 and 2 are standard provisions setting out the relevant definitions, and how the related regulations and orders will be dealt with. Section 3 empowers the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, following consultation with the Minister for Finance, to proscribe by order certain postal codes that correspond to Israeli settlements. It should be noted that these postal codes are already set out under a technical arrangement concluded between the EU and the government of Israel.”
“The Bill also represents the fulfilment of a clear commitment made by this Government in our programme for Government where we committed to progressing legislation to prohibit the importation of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Today, we are beginning the process of that commitment. Again, I remind all of us we are talking about people. We are doing this on behalf of families who want safety, children who deserve a future and communities who have endured far too much loss and suffering. We thank this House for the considerations that have taken place since the Government approved the general scheme of the Bill in June last year. This includes the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme undertaken by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and published its report in July 2025.”