Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Select Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee Stage

2:00 am

Photo of Gary GannonGary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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I agree with points previously made, and I wish to go further. The Minister referenced international law as a reason why we do not need these amendments. I would hold very strongly that we can see what is happening in the realms of international law, where certain states, and Israel in particular, are in absolute violation and breach, and simply say they act in accordance when we know they do not. Scenes we have witnessed every single day for the past two years demonstrate that. This is an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate the powers of its own law. I see no reason not to do that. We have all said the same thing, the Minister included, that something like this might be necessary. I see this as an area where we can work together and demonstrate a bit of leadership. I do not think any of us find fault in the amendments submitted, some simply feel they may not be needed because of international legal law. However, clearly, that is not working at the moment.