Pringle: Taoiseach call for review of EU-Israel trade agreement welcome, but ‘late in the day’
- Updated: 14th August 2024
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said Taoiseach’s call for an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement is welcome, but “late in the day”.
Deputy Pringle said: “Earlier this year, the Government, with Spain, called on the European Commission to undertake an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Here we are, six months later, and the Taoiseach still looking for an ‘urgent’ review. While the call is welcome, it is late in the day, as the EU and the international community continue to abandon the Palestinian people.
“It is horrifically clear that the ‘softly, softly’ approach is not working. It has been clear to many of us that this approach is not working. It has been clear to Irish people who have taken to the streets in their thousands in support of the Palestinian people that it is not working.
“Yet it was only in June that the European Council expressed its full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirmed its full commitment to its security and to regional stability. A shocking statement while the world sees the genocide unfolding against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
“In May I said that the Government’s long-overdue recognition of the state of Palestine would be an empty gesture without action. Words are not action. Statements are not enough.
“There are actions the Government can take. I have previously called on Government to end its trade relationship with Israel and stop facilitating this genocide by allowing US military aircraft to pass through Shannon Airport.
“The Civil Engagement Group in the Seanad this year brought forward the Air Navigation and Transport (Arms Embargo) Bill 2024, which would place restrictions on the transit and export of weapons and dual-use goods from and through the State to Israel, including those going to or from countries that export weapons to Israel.
“Statements won’t save the people of Palestine. For strong words to have meaning, we need strong action,” he said.
