Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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132. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update in relation to Ireland pushing for the EU to impose a travel ban and asset freeze on violent settlers; the reason for the difference between settlers, violent or non-violent, given that Dáil Éireann recognises Israeli settlements as the "de facto annexation" of Palestinian land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4069/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The EU position is clear; Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law.

In view of the unacceptable levels of violence being perpetrated by certain Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, in particular since 7 October 2023, I have underlined my strong support for EU sanctions targeting violent or extreme Israeli settlers. This is a matter that I have raised at successive meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.

Under the existing EU Global Human Rights Sanctions regime, it is possible to target individuals, entities and bodies – including state and non-state actors – responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses such as where they meet the threshold of being widespread, systematic or otherwise of serious concern as regards the objectives of the EU’s common foreign and security policy.

Detailed discussions are currently ongoing at official level regarding sanctioning certain individuals and/or entities where there is evidence that their activities meet this threshold. Decisions would need to be taken by the Council acting by unanimity. There is currently broad support from EU partners for this measure, which mirrors the approach taken by other international partners, including the US.

This initiative is not, nor is it intended to be, a comprehensive response to the issue of illegal Israeli settlements. EU policy on settlements in occupied territory remains clear and is based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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133. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on Irish-Norway relations. [4077/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland and Norway enjoy excellent bilateral relations. We share unique historical connections as well as growing people-to-people links. In the past few years, Ireland’s relationship with Norway has been revitalised through the Global Ireland Strategy for the Nordic Region to 2025. The Nordic Strategy has provided a framework for Ireland to deepen our relationship with Norway and its neighbours across a spectrum of areas including politically and in the areas of trade, tourism, the environment and culture.

On a political level, our bilateral relationship with Norway is excellent. Norway is a likeminded partner on many international issues. We cooperate actively on the world stage to support our shared values, such as upholding international law and the importance of multilateralism. Ireland and Norway worked closely together during our recent UN Security Council term. Our countries successfully led negotiations on the renewal of the vital Syria Humanitarian cross-border resolution, which ensured the continuation of the UN's cross-border aid operation on the Turkey-Syria border. Then Minister Simon Coveney and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt made a joint visit to Turkey and the Syrian Border crossing in June 2022.

Ireland is appreciative of Norway’s efforts and role in facilitating energy security for Europe and showing solidarity with European partners such as ourselves at this challenging time. Ireland sources a significant amount of our gas supply from Norway. In recent years, there has been growing collaboration in renewable energy, and several Norwegian companies have made important investments in wind energy in Ireland.

Ireland also engages with Norway on Arctic issues, which are becoming increasingly prominent and relevant to Ireland, particularly in terms of climate change, energy, and the changing geopolitical landscape. This week our Ambassador to Norway will attend a major conference on Arctic issues in Trømso (Arctic Frontiers 29 January – 1 February).

In December 2023, Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State for Disability, had a constructive study visit to Norway on the provision of digital and assistive technologies with a delegation from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the HSE, and the National Disability Authority.

Through our Embassy in Oslo and our State Agencies Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia based in Stockholm and Copenhagen we are deepening our trade with Norway. According to the latest CSO released in 2023 total trade between Ireland and Norway was worth €5.9 billion in 2021, with the trading balance firmly weighted in Ireland's favour. Several Norwegian companies have investments and operations in Ireland notably in the fisheries sector as well as the expanding renewable energy sector.

Norway and Ireland are now more connected than ever with direct routes between Dublin and the capital Oslo and Dublin and Norway’s second city, Bergen. As part of the European Economic Area for thirty years now, Norway is well integrated into the Single Market. I look forward to further progress in our economic, trading and people-to-people links in 2024.