Tánaiste Simon Harris is expected to update the Cabinet today on the measures the European Commission proposes to take to increase pressure on Israel over its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Yesterday, an independent UN commission report concluded that Israel has committed and continues to commit genocide against Palestinians there.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is expected to propose suspending a preferential tariff rate given to Israel by the EU as part of the Association Agreement later today.
It Is believed that the Tánaiste will tell his Cabinet colleagues that while the re-imposition of duties on Israeli goods is an important step, he believes that it is essential EU Member States are given an opportunity to vote and give effect to these measures as urgently as possible.
Mr Harris will argue that in order to apply pressure on Israel to stop the genocide in Gaza, there must be a move on an EU-wide basis to have a real impact.
He believes the measures to be proposed by the Commission present a clear opportunity for the EU to take meaningful action, and that this will be the focus of his diplomatic efforts and engagement during his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York next week.
Taoiseach to face Opposition questions as Dáil returns
The Cabinet will meet at Government Buildings in Dublin ahead of the Dáil returning following its summer recess.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will face questions from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, the recently returned Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, and some Independents.
It is expected that the recent hike in electricity charges will lead to renewed Opposition demands for a new cost-of-living package in next month’s Budget.
The Government has made it clear that it opposes another round of electricity credits, preferring to introduce targeted measures instead.
The Dáil is due to hear statements on the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, which runs from 2025-2030.
Sinn Féin is also bringing a private members motion this evening relating to special education school places.
‘Major response’ in attracting top researchers to Ireland
The Higher Education Minister will tell Cabinet that there has been major response to the Government’s efforts to attract top international researchers to Irish universities.
The aim is to increase research on strategic areas of importance to Ireland.
Minister James Lawless will inform colleagues that the first stage of the process has been completed and there have been 174 expressions of Interest.
There has been a notable response from researchers in the US and UK.
Around 70% of the applications are STEM-focused, while 25% are proposals on Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Research Ireland is now reviewing the expressions of interest and full proposals will be submitted in October.
