Horizon funding and Israel
Deputy Conway-Walsh argues the Horizon programme should be used to pressure Israel over its actions in Palestine. The Taoiseach says Ireland’s position is strong but EU unanimity is lacking, limiting the leverage available.
Yesterday, the House agreed that Israel is acting illegally under international law. We have a window of opportunity to use the powerful lever of Horizon funding to pressure Israel to end its apartheid regime. The new Horizon fund, which is worth €95.5 billion, represents a chance to hold Israel to account in respect of what the House agreed yesterday is the de facto annexation of Palestinian lands. For Israel to access funding and the high-value research network relating to Horizon, it has to renegotiate a bilateral agreement with the European Commission. First, the Commission needs to seek a mandate from the European Council to enter negotiations. That is what is happening at present. The Government needs to make clear at meetings of the European Council that it will not support any mandate for negotiating with Israel. The Horizon funding represents a power lever that can be used to put pressure on Israel. Over the past seven years Israel has received €1.24 billion in funding. In comparison, Ireland, as a full member of the EU, has received €100 million less than that.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. However, I caution that we cannot overstate the leverage that can be gained from something like the Horizon fund in respect of this issue because there is not unanimity across the European Union with regard to Israel and Palestine. Ireland has had a very strong position on the matter for many years. Other member states do not share our perspective on the issue. We succeeded in having an agreed conclusion this week in respect of the issue in the context of calling for a two-state solution and a cessation of hostilities. The Deputy will recall, however, that it was very difficult for the Foreign Affairs Council to get agreement on the issue. We will continue to raise this matter at all fora, from the Security Council down, in terms of the need for Israel to adopt initiatives and policies that facilitate long-term peace, but also proper treatment of Palestinians and movement towards a two-state solution.