Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses. I listened carefully to what Mr. Cohen said and believe it was heartfelt and very sincere. It concerns me that he feels we are trying to target Jews or Jewish life. He says Jewish communities here in Ireland may be driven further into fear and isolation. Again, that is concerning. He also mentioned the matter of people taking sides. This should not be about taking sides, as such, but if there were sides and I took one, it would be on behalf of the 58,000 people who have been killed, the 138,000 people who have been injured, the 75% of people who have been displaced and are suffering from hunger, thirst and disease.

The only point on which I find myself in agreement with Mr. Shatter is that relating to the possibility of economic fallout. That has to be concern for all of us. Mr. Shatter called the Bill fantasy politics, but I believe it positions Ireland as a principled voice within the international community.

I put it to the witnesses now, because I am conscious of time, that I would like them to provide clarity on how opposition to this Bill would not be seen as tactical endorsement of settlement expansion. I would like them to address the concern that continued trade with illegal settlements may entrench the occupation and actually incentivise further land appropriation.