The Irish Government has been absolutely clear at all times about its support for the people of Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Government has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for access to humanitarian aid to be provided to those who need it.

On the specific matter you raise, the Central Bank of Ireland does not sell, list or facilitate the sale of bonds on behalf of the State of Israel. These bonds are not listed for sale on the Irish Stock Exchange (Euronext Dublin), nor are they for sale via any regulated financial entity in Ireland.

The Central Bank’s role is strictly regulatory. Under EU law, it assesses bond prospectus solely to ensure compliance with the Prospectus Regulation – specifically, that they are complete, consistent, comprehensible, and lawful. Approval of a prospectus does not imply endorsement of the issuer or the securities. The State of Israel and its bonds are not regulated or endorsed by the Central Bank of Ireland.

The Opposition has proposed a law to address the issue of Israeli bonds. However, the legislation drafted is illegal and unworkable as it contravenes EU law and will be completely ineffective.

Whether it is appreciated or not, the Government is obliged to consider the legal realities when trying to address such difficult situations. It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that any solution proposed can actually work and is constitutionally, legally and operationally robust.

The Taoiseach and Government have been absolutely clear of the need for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages and the end of the slaughter that continues to unfold. We will continue to be resolute in calling for this. However, it is important to clearly outline the Government’s sustained and unequivocal support for the Palestinian people over recent years which is often lost in the discussion.

On 28 May 2024, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine – alongside Norway and Spain – affirming our clear support for Palestinian statehood and the two-State solution.

Since January 2023, Ireland has provided over €87 million in aid to Palestinians, including €75 million since October 2023. This includes €20 million in core funding to UNRWA this year alone.

In direct medical support, the Government approved the evacuation of up to 30 critically ill children from Gaza. So far, 12 children and their families have arrived, with further missions underway in coordination with the WHO and EU.

Ireland has consistently backed EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and continues to push for stronger measures.

We’ve led efforts for legal accountability. In 2024 and 2025, Ireland made multiple submissions to the International Court of Justice and intervened in South Africa’s genocide case. We also co-sponsored the UN resolution to implement the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion.

On the international stage, Ireland is co-chairing a working group at the upcoming UN Conference on the Two-State Solution and has participated in all Global Alliance meetings, most recently in Morocco. At EU level, we initiated the review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the Association Agreement and are advancing trade restrictions on settlement goods.

This culminated in the Government’s decision on 26 May 2025 to prepare a Bill regulating trade with illegal settlements, following legal advice from the Attorney General. The Bill is being drafted and will soon go to the Foreign Affairs Committee for scrutiny.

Once again let me strongly reiterate the Irish Government’s unwavering support for the people of Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We have consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for unimpeded humanitarian aid to be provided to those who need it. We will continue to do so through multilateral engagement and through the pursuit of effective proposals that further our goals of the delivery of humanitarian aid, the return of Israeli hostages, the pursuit of peace and the recognition of a two-State solution.

Thank you once again for your engagement on this topic.