Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)

Every time we raise this issue, we get the same response from the Government, which is, basically, to ask why we are not thanking it for all it is doing and for not being as bad as the western states that arm, fund and enable this genocide? I am sorry. We, and the public, have a higher standard of no complicity in the genocide. That is not only a moral standard; it is a legal standard. Under international law, all states have an obligation not to assist in any illegal situation, such as occupation, illegal settlements, apartheid or genocide. The Irish Government itself recognises that genocide is happening. Does the Minister not see that providing access to EU markets to fundraise to support genocide is a violation of our obligation not to assist?

It is true the Central Bank does not endorse this but it authorises it. Without the authorisation of a central bank, these bonds could not be sold. That is over €400 million. Does the Minister not accept that he should act, that declaring this a genocide has consequences and that he should do everything in his power? The Central Bank has said it will adhere to any financial sanctions or restrictive measures that are imposed under law. Therefore, the Minister should instruct the Central Bank or we should change the law. We need to stop the sale of genocide bonds.

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