Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for recognising the work the NTMA has done in this and other areas and particularly the work ISIF has done. The Deputy is familiar with that. I have outlined the divestment that has taken place and it is important for me to emphasise to Deputy Connolly that the operational independence of ISIF is very important to this space. It manages €15 billion of our money, which is invested in jobs in Ireland and contributes to the economic growth and development of our country at a time when we will need new sources of economic investment and growth. It operates independently of me and is well aware of the sensitivity and importance of the investments the Deputy has referred to and, indeed, the questions being put to me.

I respectfully make the case, which the Deputy has already acknowledged, that these investments as a share of ISIF's total portfolio, not to mention as a share of the investment in the overall Israeli economy, are extremely small. However, Deputy Connolly is raising issues of principle and I am aware of the correct and deep concern the Irish people have regarding the suffering of the people of Gaza.

See this speech in context