Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We can first apply the kinds of sanctions that have suddenly become possible. We know these are possible under the Rosneft ruling. In terms of the occupied territories, we should not be trading with settlements. That law is very clear. This should not even be a question of sanctions because occupied territories are not legally part of the supply chain. Ireland can take a lead on that and should also feed into and influence the due diligence process in the EU to ensure settlements never become part of a supply chain. That is an area that needs to be strengthened.

In the Rosneft ruling, the European Court of Justice and the EU were extremely clear that in relation to Russian breaches of international law the European Commission is justified, on the grounds of public policy, in imposing trade restrictions. That is exactly the same circumstance and context. Occupation, breach of international law and public policy are grounds for action. Let us be consistent. We are now acting, rightly, in relation to Ukraine and we have acted on Crimea in the past. We should be consistent in acting in relation to Israel.

The occupied territories Bill is where Ireland can show leadership. This House has shown that we care and not only about Ukraine. We have passed motions on Yemen and spoken up for Palestine. Let this House and Ireland show leadership in this area.