Occupied Territories Bill
Deputy Byrne pressed for action on the Occupied Territories Bill amid strong public support for Palestine. The Taoiseach outlined Ireland's wider support for Palestine and said the Government was progressing the Bill and legislation.
It is very clear the people of Ireland stand with the Palestinian people and oppose Israeli aggression and apartheid. There are groups holding events, protests, vigils and collecting signatures the length and breadth of Ireland to try to get the Government to finally pass the occupied territories Bill. The Drogheda Stands with Palestine group has mobilised in solidarity every Saturday since 7 October 2023, which is 17 months this Saturday. On 1 February, it ran a vibrant three-hour campaign and collected 1,002 physical signatures and 167 online, calling for the occupied territories Bill to be enacted without delay. These signatures have come from people of all ages and all walks of life. I understand the Taoiseach’s party colleague, Deputy McGreehan, met the group last week and collected a petition pack to present to the Taoiseach. Will he confirm that he has received this? What response does he have to give to this group of activists who have asked me to raise this today?
Comment on this
Yes, Deputy McGreehan has spoken to me on this and I will talk to her again later. First, the Irish Government has been very proactive on the Middle East and the Palestinian question in recognising the State of Palestine and taking a very strong position in supporting UNWRA as the only viable UN agency that can enable education in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and elsewhere as well as medical provision. We have also been very strongly involved in ensuring a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza and working with Arab partners in respect of peace within Gaza itself. I have noticed that every time the Government takes a step, there are those in our political system who want to drive a wedge between the Government and the people on this question.
Comment on this
The question was on the occupied territories Bill.
Comment on this
This is the point I am making. Once this is done and the next thing is done, then it is something else and it is always used to denigrate the Government.