Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome the ambassador and I commend her on her work. I thank my colleague, Deputy Brady, for bringing this Bill before the Dáil. The UN Human Rights Council published a revealing database that names 112 businesses that are directly or indirectly embroiled in operations that infringe upon international law in these disputed Palestinian territories. The database reported in 2013 that various business activities, encompassing both Israeli and international companies, were sustaining illegal Israeli settlements. These illegal Israeli settlements, as we are all too aware, have capitalised on an onslaught of human rights violations against the Palestinian people.

Unlawful demolition of homes and infrastructure, annihilation of agricultural land, forced displacement and unlawful killings have sadly become an everyday reality for Palestinians. We must accept the fact that these settlements could not function without the complicit support of businesses and enterprises which provide the necessary infrastructure which sustains them. It could be argued that they are precariously threading on the line that separates legal operations from complicity in oppressive acts and human rights violations.

In May 2021, the Dáil unanimously passed a motion condemning Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem and its settlement activity. Successive Irish Governments have declared the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as illegal under international law. Therefore, it is beyond troubling and grossly hypocritical that the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF, investments are linked to businesses complicit in these actions and associated human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Sinn Féin believes in justice, equality and the right of every individual to live in peace. We believe and support the fundamental human right to self-determination. It is time that our investments reflect our national values and I urge the Minister of State and the Government to compel ISIF to divest from these companies, to align its portfolio with the principles of justice and human rights and to stand on the right side of history. I ask the Minister of State to withdraw the amendment.

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