Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While I appreciate that, correctly, so much of the Taoiseach's attention will be on happenings in Ukraine and the escalating situation there I want to draw his attention once again to the need to end trade with illegal settlements in Palestine. He knows that Trócaire is just one of many NGOs and human rights groups supporting a European citizens' initiative that makes precisely this call. It is accepted by the Government and the European Union that Israeli settlements in Palestine are illegal under international law. Like so many others, Trócaire has campaigned for the occupied territories Bill in Ireland. The Government should support this legislation. We should move from the front on this. Will the Taoiseach reconsider his opposition to the legislation? Jim Crow laws in the United States were wrong. South Africa's system of apartheid was wrong. Israeli apartheid against Palestinians is wrong. I am unsure as to why the Government finds it so difficult and falters on this matter.

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