Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the six years since I first tabled the occupied territories Bill, as we all know, the situation has rapidly deteriorated. While the world is focused on the horrific genocidal war in Gaza, we are also seeing one of the biggest land grabs in decades across the West Bank, where more homes are being destroyed, families displaced, settlements built and people beaten and killed on a daily basis. We have to ask how we can repeatedly condemn this as illegal but continue to trade in the goods produced. It is clear hypocrisy and it must stop. As we all saw in June, the highest court in the world effectively said that all countries, including Ireland, are obliged not to trade with the illegal settlements that Israel has built on stolen Palestinian land. It is not some optional extra. There is no doubt about it that our legal obligations are clear. Palestinians, academics, NGOs and human rights organisation have been saying this for years. Over the past six years, we have set out clearly, with detailed input from some of the world's top lawyers, that the Bill would not breach EU law. We have received new legal opinion from two eminent lawyers that states the former Attorney General was wrong on this issue. The ICJ has now made it clear that we were right and that we can do this. In fact, it would be illegal for Ireland not to pass the occupied territories Bill.

It is so brilliant to see the huge public demand for the occupied territories Bill. At every march and event, people who are horrified at the genocide taking place in Gaza are coming out in their thousands and demanding that the Government takes action. The calls to pass the occupied territories Bill are getting louder. I am sure every single Member is aware of the south Kerry IPSC whose members are walking all the way to the Dáil to hand in a petition with 40,000 signatures. They will hand that petition in at 4.30 p.m. today outside the Dáil. It is inspiring and incredible. The Cathaoirleach might like to know that last night, I hosted a meeting on the occupied territories Bill in Cork city to a packed-out room. More chairs had to be brought into the ballroom of the Metropole Hotel where it was held. The people are demanding that Ireland takes a stronger stance. We need to introduce sanctions and enact the occupied territories Bill and we need to do it now. People want to see Ireland take a stronger lead on issues of international law, human rights and justice. The Government has an obligation to do the same.

I follow my colleagues in asking the Tánaiste to come to the House to give us an update on what action the Government will take going forward. When will we see the Attorney General's advice? That is very important. We would like to know about and have an update on the Attorney General's advice. We also definitely need to have a debate on the occupied territories Bill and what is happening with it.