Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is hard to know where to begin, because the plight of Palestinians grows bleaker each week. Ireland has been a leader in the pursuit of justice and fairness around the globe, and we have long recognised the importance of Palestinian civil society in pursuing justice and peace. Ireland's lack of action following the recent attacks on Palestinian NGOs is concerning.

Last year saw significant increases by apartheid Israel in its targeting of Palestinian civil society groups, the settlements and the use of administrative detention. Ireland nods obediently while the European Commission is giving the green light to Israel to target NGOs with no fear of any consequences. Whatever happened to the concept of innocent until proven guilty? Why is the European Commission allowed to exercise double standards when it comes to civil society groups operating in Palestine? The Commission has frozen funding for these six civil society groups following unverified claims from apartheid Israel. Organisations like Al-Haq are considered guilty until they prove themselves innocent. We have seen it before where past allegations by the apartheid authorities of the misuse of EU funds have not been validated. Ireland must raise its voice and not hide in the European herd. We must demand that funding is released and the documentation that is being offered by Israel is made public. How long will we allow the European Union to be complicit in the crimes of apartheid Israel?

I heard Deputy Haughey refer to the release of political prisoners in Belarus. The same applies for political prisoners held by Israel. The Palestinians are held with absolutely no trial - nothing. They are just arrested and held and they are literally tortured. That is not acceptable. Ireland has to stand up and make its voice heard and not hide behind the European Union.

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