Legislative Programme
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-26
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

In terms of the programme for Government commitment, it was relating to goods and we were very clear on that. The Oireachtas committee then asked that we would look at services and it is important that we engage with the committee and its recommendations on any legislation. That was the advice that was asked of the Attorney General and that was the advice that I received soon after coming into the Department, just before Christmas. Questions needed to be asked and those have been asked of the Attorney General. I expect to get a response from him soon. Once we have that response, we will progress the legislation. It is not the case that we receive a Bill and it moves straight into the Houses. There is always engagement with the Attorney General. I would again stress that where we have made real progress for people on the ground and seen the ceasefire progress and where pressure has been put on Israel and other parties, it is where we have worked together, not where one country has moved forward on its own but where we have moved forward collectively.
I agree with the Deputy that what is happening on the ground is appalling. It is not acceptable and it is not in line with the ceasfire or what has been agreed. In fact, when I met with colleagues in Washington from all sides of the houses, both Republican and Democratic, they all agreed that what is happening in Israel, and in the West Bank in particular, is illegal and is not appropriate and they want it to stop as well. We are all on the same page. The question is how we exert pressure and make progress? It is by working together, in unison.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:47+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-26