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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Gaza conflict and ISIF issue

Summary

Deputy Gannon condemned Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and criticised double standards in international responses. The Minister said Ireland was consistently calling for restraint and a ceasefire, and said he would examine the specific ISIF issue raised.

Some 25 Palestinians, including several children, were killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza yesterday. The Israeli apartheid state shows no regard for human life in Palestine, with its illegal settlements, forced evictions and ruthless, unscrupulous bombings. Under international law, it is clear that Israel is committing crimes against humanity in Palestine. We were rightfully very quick to condemn Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine as an atrocity and assert our immediate support for those who are suffering, but we continue to show double standards. Furthermore, I say to Deputy Michael McGrath in his capacity as Minister for Finance, it is simply disgraceful that investments held by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF, are linked to businesses that are complicit in human rights violations in the Palestinian territories. The Irish taxpayer should not be complicit in the funding of apartheid. Will the Minister for Finance recognise and condemn Israel's actions in Palestine as a violation of international law? Will he join the growing calls for ISIF to divest itself of holdings in Israeli companies?

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The Government has been very consistent in being a voice for restraint in this conflict. We are not at all, in any way, satisfied with what we are witnessing. It is appalling. The bombing of civilian areas in Gaza is simply not acceptable and must come to an end. We have joined the international calls for a ceasefire. Mediation efforts are under way. We urge all parties to become involved and come to the table to find a resolution. The specific issue of ISIF falls under my Department's remit. I will examine that specific issue and come back to the Deputy directly.

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