In light of figures showing Ireland has exported almost 9,000 cattle to Israel since around the time they started bombing Gaza, Lynn Boylan MEP made the following statement:

“It is appalling that the government is allowing Irish beef exporters to profit from a country committing genocide. No matter what the product is – arms, dual use items or otherwise – we should not be supporting Israel in its crimes.

“There needs to be an immediate cease fire in Gaza, but if we’re to have any hope of bringing that about then Israel needs to feel the consequences of its actions through economic sanctions. The time for talk and gestures is over.

“The government should enact the Illegal Israeli settlements divestment bill and the Occupied Territories Bill, and the Arms Embargo Bill cease all trade with the genocidal apartheid regime.

“The EU should immediately suspend all trade with Israel. It’s not tenable for Von der Leyen’s Commission block the review and provides cover for the Israeli war crimes.”