David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to put my locus standion the record of the House. I have been going backwards and forwards to Israel and Palestine for 40 years. I had an apartment in Jerusalem for many years which I shared with my partner, Ezra Yitzhak Nawi, who is an Israeli Jewish civil rights activist who has been victimised by the Israeli State for his strong support for the Palestinian people. I am honoured to be a signatory of this Bill. I think it is a remarkable initiative. I hope very much that this Bill goes to Dáil Éireann and that Dáil Éireann has the courage to pass it and send a direct message to the Government. I would say to the Government today that people all over Europe, people in parliaments all over Europe, are watching this debate; they will take courage from it and they will pass similar legislation.

The Tánaiste said: "We are not in a position to raise a barrier and declare that goods legally available elsewhere in the EU cannot be brought into Ireland for sale." They are not legally available elsewhere. This is a violation of international law. Importation of goods and services coming from settlements in occupied territories is illegal under international law and prohibiting trade with settlements does not violate the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which does not apply in such circumstances.

Very significant people in Israel have signed a letter that states: "As concerned citizens of Israel who wish to live in peace with our neighbours, we once again urge Ireland to support this legislation that will ban trade between Ireland and Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank." It is signed by Uri Avnery, the ambassador, professor Elie Barnavi, the ambassador Ilan Baruch and a whole series of ambassadors, as well as the speaker of the Knesset. This is the voice of the real conscience of Israel.

The Tánaiste said we could be a principled voice in the wilderness. Let us be such.