Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with the fact the western world has questions not only about security but also credibility. We know there have been absolute failings if we are speaking about the US, Germany, the British and many countries throughout the EU. We know that what Benjamin Netanyahu is involved in is absolute genocidal slaughter. We know there are absolute fears about an escalation and the issues with regard to Iran at this time. There are two issues with Mr. Netanyahu; there are his particular views, which are reprehensible, and there is also the fact that here is a guy trying to save his job. The Palestinian people are paying with their lives.

We all welcome what has happened with regard to the moves towards recognising the state of Palestine. We want to see it. We know there have been positive relationships and interactions with Malta, Slovenia, Spain, Belgium and Norway. Are these the countries we are speaking about? Are there more? Do we have a timeline with regard to recognition? I would also follow up on whether we think there will be some element of review of the EU-Israel association agreement.

I would like there to be governmental support for the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill. There are promises with regard to ISIF of divestment from €2.9 million of the €4.2 million of Irish State money in companies that are benefiting from apartheid Israeli settlements. We need to make sure this is complete and that we follow through. I would like to see the legislation being the means but I do not particularly care once we do the right thing. We will have continuity of protests every Wednesday. The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, IPSC, is protesting in the Market Square, Dundalk. It has scheduled an event in the Redeemer centre on Thursday. We need to see everybody in here and outside putting on all the pressure they can. While only certain countries, particularly the US, can make things move, we have to do those bits that we can.

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