Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I accept that there is often a need for countries to act in concert. Indeed, I am glad the Government is working in concert with South Africa. I very much welcome the fact that the former Taoiseach joined with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain in requesting the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to review EU trade in light of this horrendous war. At a gathering of leaders of socialist parties at the weekend, I raised the need for multilateral action across the EU.

The situation in Gaza continues to worsen. I think we are all very conscious of this. While we very much welcomed the announcement this week of some divestments by the NTMA, nonetheless there is much more we can do, even if Ireland has to move without all the other European states. In 2022, Ireland was Israel's fourth largest export customer. UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese has said that countries like Ireland need to match words with deeds when it comes to sanctions against Israel. What message does it send to Netanyahu when it seems that he still has to face any real economic consequences for the horrendous actions of his regime in Gaza? The case for the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 and for more meaningful trade sanctions is becoming unanswerable. We need to move on this fact and bring other EU member states with us.

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