Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to add my voice to those of other TDs who asked for time for a debate on Palestine and Lebanon. We are complicit by our silence, despite our words and recognition of Palestine. As a neutral country, we should be using our voice, now more than ever, in the context of brining peace to the world. The EU is still trading with a country that has flagrantly breached every international law and that is committing genocide. We have failed to enact two Bills, the occupied territories Bill and the divestment Bill. The Minister stands here today and tells us that he has used strong words. We need much more than strong words. I for one will not be complicit in the slaughter that is being carried out while we, as a European partner, trade with Israel.

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