Frances Black (Independent)

I thank the Chair. Before coming to my final point, I hope the Chair will not mind my taking of a minute to thank all of the wonderful activists and organisations that I have been working with over the past seven years. This has been an incredible journey along with my two colleagues here, who have been unbelievable. I thank all of the people who came to the packed meetings all over this country. It was just phenomenal. It was packed out everywhere we went. We have been to many counties. Eighteen county councils unanimously passed motions. The councillors wanted this. The public want this.

As my colleagues mentioned earlier, two brave workers from Dunnes Stores refused to handle oranges from South Africa. They were backed by their trade union and the people of this country. Those women followed their consciences. They kicked off a movement across this country and our politicians soon followed. They helped change history contributing to mounting international pressure. Nelson Mandela himself offered his own personal thanks.

I believe this is a question of bravery and political will. Even if we only ban goods, we know it will be challenged in the EU courts anyway. We have to take that on board. This is something we would welcome because it could set a precedent for the entire EU. If the challenge will come anyway, why not do it properly? That is my message to this committee. We are going to be challenged anyway, so let us get it right. Let us do it properly. Let them challenge us. Include both goods and services. Argue our case at EU level. That is what I am asking for. Let us argue this at EU level. It is a question of political will and bravery. I hope the committee get behind this and support the inclusion of services in the Bill.

I thank the Chair and committee members. It has been an amazing meeting for me. I have waited seven years for this. Go raibh mile maith agaibh. I thank all the members for being so warm. There has been no hostility. I thank the committee for that.