Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

There is a tragic irony in the fact that as we discuss this motion, we have also been privy to the news that a Palestinian Cabinet Minister died today while involved in a protest against illegal Israeli settlements. It is a little sickening when we think about how glad we are in some ways to be able to welcome the recognition in our Parliament of a Palestinian state. We have to jolt ourselves back, as it is just a tiny step in the overall battle. Of course we welcome it but the fact that the Government is not opposing the motion in some ways shows how toothless the motion is. It is important but it is not enough. If we are serious about what is going on in the occupied territories, countries like Ireland have to be seen to be doing much more.

In the 1980s, Ireland was the first country in the EU to declare that the Palestinian people had the right to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent state in Palestine. It is a little late in the day to support this motion but I am glad that we do. Let us have a real discussion on what we need to do to force the Israelis into some form of decency. The reality is that we need a serious and sustained campaign of pressure and economic sanctions.

It is rich that the Government is not opposing this motion but is silent on the fact that our Defence Forces have engaged in military contracts with Elbit Systems Limited, which has been involved in illegal activities and breaches of international law. It is rich that we allow companies like Cement Roadstone Holdings and others to trade in the settlements. If we mean what we say by the gesture that is this motion we must do more and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the decent Israelis who do not want to be a part of the genocide. We need to take further action.

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