“Dear Editor, – Since a few months ago, Ireland and Spain have asked for a formal evaluation of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, most notably looking to ascertain if Israel has been violating the human rights provision (“Urgent Review’ of Israel Trade Sought by Ireland and Spain Over EU Deal’s Human Rights Mandate”, 14th of February).
Clearly, there is no audit forthcoming. It can be unequivocally stated that presently, there is no intention of scrutinising the trade agreement as well.
This seems like a direct disregard towards the Irish Government which indeed calls for an in-depth reply.
Is the Government considering following up on this matter within the EU framework, or is it merely going to succumb to the circumstances? Moreover, considering the EU’s lack of action, isn’t it about time that Ireland imposed international trade and other sanctions on Israel on its own? – Yours faithfully,
Fintan Lane,
Lucan,
County Dublin.”