Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)

This week, both the Tánaiste and Taoiseach have spoken powerfully against Israel's plans for the Gaza Strip, but their powerful words are not matched by their actions. The Government said it will write again to the European Commission regarding the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Is there anything to be said for another letter? In a few weeks, it is going to give us a timeline regarding when it will draft its watered-down occupied territories Bill. The Government's approach does not speak to the urgency of the situation we are seeing day by day, hour by hour in Gaza.

Israel has placed the entire world on notice that it intends to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip. Strong words simply are not good enough any longer. Ireland can take clear action here at home that will resonate internationally. The Government must pass the occupied territories Bill covering both goods and services.

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