Earlier this year Senator Frances Black introduced a Bill to the Seanad to end Irish trade with and support for illegal settlements in the West Bank. I understand a debate and vote will take place in the very near future. The Bill is legally sound but it will take political will to implement it. The people of Ireland have elected us as Deputies and I believe they demand that we compel the Government to do something about the State of Israel at the moment. Even today, Israel has announced 3,500 illegal houses in the West Bank. This morning I spoke to a doctor in Gaza who said the situation there is unspeakable, and it is unspeakable what Israel has done to the people of Gaza.

If there is anything the Tánaiste can do, as a Deputy elected by the people of this country, he should vote on this Bill and implement it in order to send a message to the State of Israel. It would also send a message to the Palestinian people that we are on their side and against the State of Israel.

For the benefit of the House, Ireland's views on Israeli settlements could not clearer. The view of the international community on settlements, comprehensively expressed in UN Security Council Resolution 2334, could not be clearer either. They are illegal, they actively undermine the prospect for a sustainably negotiated two-state solution and the relentless expansion of settlements inherently involves injustice and provocation for Palestinians.

I have spoken on that Bill in the Seanad. I have maintained contact with the sponsor of the Bill and she knows my views on it. I will be in Israel the week after next, raising a lot of these issues directly both with Palestinian leaders and Israeli leaders.

Will the Government support the Bill?

I am not going to give an answer on that.

Will the Government support the Bill?

At the moment the Government is not supporting the Bill.

Order, please. I call Deputy Grealish.