Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Matt Carthy TD has condemned government moves to frustrate the party’s legislation banning the state from investing in companies that profit from illegal Israeli settlements.

The Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023 was introduced by John Brady TD.

Despite approval of the Finance Committee to waive pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill, government has now sought to further delay the legislation from processing.  At a meeting of the Oireachtas Business Committee today, government again frustrated passage of the legislation.

Teachta Carthy said:

“The government’s decision to frustrate this important legislation is unacceptable.  In the face of a genocide being inflicted on the people of Gaza it is imperative that the Irish government take meaningful action to send a clear message that the people of Ireland will not allow our taxpayers’ monies to be invested in companies that profit from Israel’s illegal activities.

“We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe before our eyes, more than 30,000 men, women and children have been slaughtered. The very least Ireland could do is progress this legislation by my colleague John Brady TD.

“The decision of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green party to further frustrate the passage of this law is indefensible.  They already delayed the bill by nine months during which they could have carried out any scrutiny they wanted.  That they have rejected the position of the Oireachtas Finance committee to waive pre-legislative scrutiny points to a government that, despite strong and welcome words, is failing to take the meaningful action that the situation in Palestine demands.

“The world is looking for steps that can be taken to support the people of Gaza. This is one way in which Ireland could have shown vital solidarity in an impactful and meaningful way.

“Sinn Féin demand that this inexcusable delay is overturned immediately. This legislation must be allowed to proceed as a matter of urgency.”

Teachta Brady said:

“This legislation must be progressed. I am urging all parties to the do the right thing and stand up to government against this appalling decision.

“It is immoral that the Strategic Investment Fund invests Irish taxpayers’ money in companies operating in the illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

“How many Palestinians must be displaced by illegal Israeli settlers while this government refuses to give support to a piece of legislation that is intended to remedy a moral wrong? How much longer can government attempt to drag their heels on this matter of fundamental justice?

“It is clear that the actions of the Irish Government in failing to take any measures against Israel to hold them to account for breaking international law has emboldened their acts of genocide in Gaza.

“The Irish people demand better from government. Sinn Féin’s legislation must be progressed. Government must end their scandalous delay now.”