Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Matt Carthy TD has demanded that government allow the progression of Sinn Féin 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. On Friday, government instructed the Business Committee to effectively delay the legislation from progressing in the Oireachtas.

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.  

Teachta Carthy said:

“The government’s decision on Friday to frustrate this important legislation is nothing short of scandalous. 

“This legislation must be allowed to progress without delay. At a time of unthinkable atrocities in Gaza, the very least the Irish government could do is take this important step of solidarity.

“The world is witnessing a genocide being inflicted on the people of Gaza. It is vital 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.

“The decision of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green party to further frustrate the passage of this law on Friday is indefensible. They already delayed the bill by nine months during which they could have carried out any scrutiny they wanted.  Government is failing to take the meaningful action that the situation in Palestine demands.

“This legislation by Sinn Féin is one way in which Ireland could show vital solidarity in an impactful and meaningful way. I am urging government to end this inexcusable delay.”

Teachta Brady said:

“Government’s decision to delay this legislation yet again last week was a shameful decision. I am urging government to the do the right thing and end this unjustified delay.

“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. My legislation would end this injustice and take an important stand with the people of Palestine.

“The Irish people demand better from government. We know that Ireland can play a unique, constructive role on the world stage in being a voice for justice and peace. Sinn Féin’s legislation must be progressed. Government must end their delay now.”