I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 to 311, inclusive, together.
I have repeatedly expressed my concern regarding the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist entities by the Israeli authorities. This includes organisations in receipt of support from Irish Aid and the EU. I spoke in detail on this matter in reply to a Parliamentary Question on 27 January. Ireland is fully committed to funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders in Palestine as a key part of our support for the Palestinian people.
As set out in the previous reply, Ireland is working closely with our EU partners on the issue. EU officials have engaged with Israeli authorities regarding the basis for these designations and I understand that the European Commission's consideration of the information provided by the Israeli authorities is ongoing. Irish officials at the Permanent Representation to the EU remain in close contact with the Commission on this matter. Ireland regularly discusses Middle East Peace Process issues with the European Commission and European External Action Service and this issue was most recently raised by my officials on 28 January. In addition, Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah and Embassy in Tel Aviv are actively engaged with the EU and other stakeholders locally. Past allegations of the misuse of EU funds in relation to certain Palestinian civil society partners have not been substantiated.
Ireland has also repeatedly raised this issue at the UN Security Council, including most recently on 19 January. I made a statement on 27 October expressing concern after these designations were made, and directly raised this matter with Israeli officials during my visit to the region from 1-5 November.
Ireland will continue to support Palestinian civil society organisations and human rights defenders and the critical role they play in promoting international law, peace, human rights and democratic values.