Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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I thank the witnesses for the presentations and for the work they are doing. The EU approach to the Israeli settlements is a microcosm of its general approach to Israel, which is one that is based on gross hypocrisy. In the global context, it is happy to cry crocodile tears whenever the latest atrocity takes place, but it facilitates and gives substantial economic benefits to the Israeli state not just in terms of settlements but on a range of fronts, including trade and research funding. That is epitomised in the question of the settlements. The EU says they are illegal, which is fine and the correct word, but it continues to do massive trade with them. It is an important issue to pursue. It is a wedge issue. What is the witnesses' perception of what the impact would be if the Irish Government were to respect the will of the Dáil and Seanad and pass and implement the occupied territories Bill? What would be its impact across Europe and internationally? Sometimes the argument is made that Ireland is too small and that given the amount of trade it has it would not make a difference.