Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Sinn Féin for bringing forward the motion. I compliment and thank all those individuals and organisations throughout the country that are supporting the Palestinian cause, including Clonmel Friends of Palestine in my home town, who have been raising awareness, holding vigils and raising funds for the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, as well as other groups in the constituency in Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel and Tipperary town.

The situation in the occupied Palestinian territories is unsustainable. It is an illegal occupation. Some 3.3 Palestinians are corralled into approximately 40% of the West Bank. Israel retains full control of the rest of the area, with approximately 700,000 Israelis living in illegal settlements, and with more to come.

Ireland has the opportunity to lead the international community by passing the occupied territories Bill and it should do so immediately, without delay. In 1987, Ireland became the first country in the western world to legislate for a complete ban on the importation of South African goods following the bravery of the Dunnes Stores strikers. We can lead in the same way today by ensuring that Ireland is not complicit in the oppression of Palestinians by engaging in trade or investment with the occupied territories.

The Bill itself is entirely in accordance with international law. The International Criminal Court has found that the State has a duty to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the occupied territories. It further goes on to say that all states are under an obligation not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel's illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories. We should pass the Bill immediately, without delay.

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