Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is critical and it should be seen very much as the first step in Ireland taking meaningful action that sends a clear message to the Israeli state and its supporters that we uphold international law and that we will not allow the State or any other entity to profit from breaches of international law.

The Minister stated, as has been mentioned a number of times, that the UN database is not comprehensive, meaning other companies that are profiting from illegal settlements' activities may not be included. Perhaps that is true, but one thing we know for sure is that the United Nations database includes companies that do derive profit from illegal settlements. It is bizarre to suggest, therefore, that we will not target these companies we know are engaged in or profiting from illegal activities just because there may be others. If the Garda were to take such an approach and say it would not investigate a crime just because somebody else might be getting away with the same crime, I think we would all agree that was ludicrous. Regardless of whether the Bill progresses, which I hope it does, will the Minister ensure that all State investments in companies that profit from illegal Israeli activities will be withdrawn?

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