We have yet to hear back from Fianna Fail in relation to the current pledges, so at this point we can only advise on previous statements and actions. Fianna Fail proposed the motion in the Seanad in October 2014 calling for recognition of Palestine and its members spoke in favour of the Dail Motion.
Candidate and Party positions on Palestine
Statement from Fine Gael on Sadaka Pledges
Thank you for contacting Fine Gael.
I want to assure you from the outset that we remain a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian people and that while in Government Fine Gael provided an average of €10m per year in development and humanitarian assistance.
In addition, while attending the International Gaza Reconstruction Conference, last October, Minister Charlie Flanagan TD, pledged a further €2.5 million towards both urgent immediate needs as well as long term recovery efforts.
However, clearly the deteriorating situation in Palestine, East Jerusalem and surrounding areas is a matter of very great concern. In seeking a resolution, Fine Gael has worked consistently to achieve a sovereign Palestinian state and all our actions have been directed towards this end. Central to our objective is a two state solution to ensure the security and prosperity of both parties.
I can assure you that we have been pressing and will continue to do so if returned to Government, at EU level and elsewhere, to maintain a focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza and for an end to the blockade.
You are no doubt aware that at EU level a number of steps have been taken to differentiate between the treatment of imports from Israel and goods coming from illegal Israeli settlements. Settlement goods are not entitled to the lower tariffs that are the norm in the EU, and meat from settlements may not be certified by Israeli veterinary authorities. EU research funding may not be spent in settlements. The Commission has also clarified that goods from settlements may not be misleadingly labelled as being produce of Israel. Ireland has supported all of these measures.
I am advised that an agreement could not be obtained at EU level on a ban on the import of goods from the settlements and while that remains the case it may be counterproductive for Ireland to try to push such an approach.
The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is responsible for controls on the export of military items from Ireland. All licence applications involving Israel are examined on a case-by-case basis having regard to any foreign policy concerns that may arise; such factors are subject to review in the light of developments in a given region. Any observations which may arise from this examination are considered in the final assessment of any licence application.
As a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), we are committed to the promotion of children’s rights in Ireland and amongst our fellow signatories.
I hope this information is of use to you.
Fine Gael Policy Office













