EU-Israel Association Agreement: Motion
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-28
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Joanne Collins (SF), Agricultural Panel

I support the motion and, in particular, the amendments to it that have been put forward. What we are witnessing in Gaza, the West Bank and across the wider region is not simply another cycle of conflict. It is a catastrophic assault on human life, international law and the very principles the European Union claims to uphold. For far too long, the international community, including many within the EU, has responded with statements of concern while continuing business as usual with the Israeli state. That contradiction is no longer tenable.
The amendment before us rightly points out the failure by the EU to take meaningful political or economic action to hold Israel to account. If Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement means anything, it must mean that systemic violations of human rights carry consequences. Otherwise, our commitment to international law becomes selective and hollow. We cannot continue to condemn illegal settlements while permitting trade with them. We cannot speak for peace while weapons transit through European airspace to fuel destruction. We cannot claim neutrality while civilians, including children, are killed in staggering numbers and humanitarian aid is obstructed.
Ireland has a proud history of speaking out against injustice and colonial oppression. The Irish people have consistently shown solidarity with the Palestinian people, not out of hostility to anyone else but because we recognise the fundamental human rights of all people. That is why the second amendment to the motion is so important. It calls on the Government to move beyond words and take concrete action, namely, banning trade with illegal settlements, prohibiting the use of Irish airspace for weapons destined for Israel and reviewing cultural and sporting links while these grave violations continue. These are peaceful democratic measures rooted in international law and accountability. No state should be above the law and no people should be denied their dignity, freedom or their future. The Seanad has an opportunity to send a clear message that Ireland will not be silent in the face of collective punishment, unlawful occupation or the destruction of civilian life. I urge all Senators to back the motion and also the amendments.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:01+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-28