Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to thank a few people. I am so delighted and I feel so emotional. I am so proud to see Seanad Éireann pass this Bill in full today. It is an historic and momentous occasion and I know how much it means to the Palestinian people to know that someone out there cares. Today, we send a strong signal that Ireland will always stand on the side of international law, human rights and justice.

I am deeply thankful to Sinn Féin which has been so committed and principled on this issue for decades and gave up its Private Members' time to facilitate the Bill. I thank it sincerely from the bottom of my heart. I also acknowledge the fantastic support from Fianna Fáil, in particular the party's foreign affairs spokesperson, Deputy Niall Collins, who was just amazing and has worked tirelessly on the issue. I am so delighted he will bring the Bill into the Dáil early in the new year and I wish it a quick passage through the Lower House. I am deeply grateful for the support for this Bill from right across this House. I thank the Labour Party, the Green Party, Independent Senators and my wonderful colleagues in the Seanad Civil Engagement group. I am delighted that we have the support of every political party in the Oireachtas bar the Government. From listening to the thoughtful contributions of colleagues in Fine Gael and the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Coveney, I remain hopeful that they will hear us out and come on board as the Bill progresses.