Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)

It is only a fortnight since Sinn Féin introduced the Israeli genocide bonds Bill. In voting against that Bill, the Government squandered an opportunity to stand on the right side of what will, no doubt, be remembered as a decisive moment in history. I thank the Social Democrats for returning to this issue and giving the Government a second chance to make good on its supposed commitment to the Palestinian people.

For all the Government's back-patting and boasts about being the best in class on Palestine, the truth is that we are now trailing behind Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, which have moved to sanction Israeli leaders for their abominable human rights abuses.

Let us be honest. The motion before us today is modest. It is not a big ask. We are not trying to ban the sale of Israeli genocide bonds across Europe. We do not have the power to do that, but we have the power to say the Irish people want no hand, act or part in that ugly deed. We know for a fact that we have the power to do this and a suggestion to the contrary is nothing more than foot-dragging and cowardice.

Má thacaíonn an Rialtas leis an rún seo beidh deis ag muintir na hÉireann teachtaireacht a thabhairt ar an stáitse idirnáisiúnta go bhfuil muid aontaithe in aghaidh an chinedhíothaithe i nGaza, gur féidir seasamh suas i gcoinne bulaithe, agus nach ndéantar neamhaird ar dhaonnacht mhuintir na Palaistíne.

The genocide bonds Bill is about sending a powerful message to our people and the international community that we will not stand idly by, that we can and will stand up to bullies and that basic human decency and dignity still count for something. I implore the Government to lead with its conscience and to wipe our hands clean of these bloody bonds once and for all.

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