Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to say a few words about the progressing of my Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 yesterday. I thank Senators across the House for their strong support. A fantastic photograph was sent to me this morning of the Irish flag over City Hall in Ramallah in Palestine. It means a lot to the Palestinian people that this legislation progressed yesterday. I did not have enough time yesterday to thank the people who had been involved. I thank the NGOs Sadaka, Trócaire and Christian Aid, as well as the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Mr. Gerry Liston, a legal officer with GLAN, did amazing work in the drafting. I must also mention my amazing personal assistant, Mr. Conor O'Neill, and Ms Emma Quearney. They are both fantastic and without whom I could not have done any of it. I thank the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign for its work and activism for many years and the brilliant communities in Carrigaline, Kinvara, Belfast, Dublin and elsewhere who put huge work into fundraising, organising meetings and providing support. Last but not least, I thank the two amazing farmers who were here yesterday and are going through horrendous turmoil on a daily basis. They are Mona and Fayez who travelled all the way from the West Bank to be with us, with Fadi. It was an historic occasion and I am very proud of all the people with whom I have worked. I cannot thank Senators enough for their support, which really moved me. I look forward to returning the Bill to the House as quickly as possible after the summer recess.