Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister said, in the past we have seen how ECOFIN and the Eurogroup have acted swiftly in playing their roles when they saw fit to hold countries to account for their acts of aggression. A package of financial and economic sanctions against Russia being introduced and renewed several times was a clear example of this. However, as well as accountability there needs to be consistency. There need to be sanctions against the State of Israel.

What I am hearing from the Minister today is that this is not his role and he does not believe it is appropriate that he bring forward a proposal for discussion at ECOFIN regarding sanctions. I am not surprised by that. I am annoyed by the fact that the Minister is trying to stall legislation currently before the finance committee. The committee waived scrutiny of the legislation which would ask us not to use taxpayers' money to invest in companies and shares in companies involved in the occupied territories. I welcome that the NTMA has divested from a quarter of its shareholding, but we are still investing State money in activities involved in the occupied territories. Will the Minister ask that this be discussed at the next ECOFIN or Council meeting?

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