Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is the Central Bank that is dealing with these war bonds. It is important that I can ask the question. If they have to come back to me with the answer, that is fine. It is important because of the scale of what is happening in Gaza that we ask these questions. We cannot shy away from this. Whether it suits people or not, we have to ask these questions on behalf of the people of Gaza.

Many are horrified that Ireland plays a role in supporting funding for military actions in Gaza. These bonds are used by Israel to raise funds for military equipment such as missiles, tanks, guns, drones and bombs. The funds are directly linked to Israel's military operations in Gaza which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. The military equipment financed by these bonds is used to target hospitals, homes, schools and universities. This has led to widespread suffering, displacement and the terrorising of Gaza's refugee population. Israel openly emphasises the crucial role of these bonds during times of conflict and war.

Sinn Féin introduced a Bill in the Dáil to prevent the Irish Central Bank from granting permissions or approvals for the sale of these bonds but the Government voted against this Bill. What can the Central Bank itself do to stop facilitating the sale of Israeli war bonds?