Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The NGOs have made some very compelling legal arguments to us. This is an illegal occupation. These goods are produced illegally on lands that are not held legally in a manner that is contrary to the Geneva Convention, which has been transposed into Irish law. Therefore, it can be argued that Irish law is being contravened by people who buy beauty products and other products that are produced on these occupied lands. I think we need to take a much stronger position on this. It is a great commendation of the Danish authorities that they have come out in support of a similar action. Even though Denmark is a small country, it has been able to stand up. I agree with the Tánaiste that we have a great reputation from a neutral perspective, but it is only when we stand up and show leadership that this is really welcomed. That he has been in Palestine and Israel on two occasions since his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade shows the strength of his personal commitment and indicates that he would like to do this.

I am really disappointed with Fianna Fáil's wishy-washy stance on this issue. It is time for Fianna Fáil to stand up and be counted. I have heard many speeches from its representatives over the years expressing their concern about this issue, but they need to stand up and be counted when we vote on it in Parliament, which is where it counts. I wish they would get off the fence on this issue and stand up for the people of Palestine. They must believe that the incursion is illegal or that it is not illegal. I think we are all saying here that it is illegal. It is about time we stood up to be counted. If this Parliament were to vote in favour of this Bill, it would send out a statement that would resonate across the world.