Occupied Territories Bill delay and flotilla detentions
Deputies criticised the long delay to the occupied territories Bill and linked it to Israel’s detention of Irish citizens on the flotilla. They urged an urgent debate and sanctions, while the Chair curtailed one contribution.
The reason Israel feels it can kidnap 12 Irish citizens in international waters and act with impunity with no price to pay, is that the occupied territories Bill has been delayed by years. The Taoiseach knows that. He gave commitment after commitment as leader of his party that he would introduce that Bill and it has been held back again and again. That is why Israel can kidnap hundreds of citizens, including 12 Irish citizens; it pays no price or sanctions whatsoever. Why has it been delayed so long?
Comment on this
I ask for the Government to follow what it did in the Autumn in relation to the flotilla. We have 12 Irish citizens kidnapped, including the President's sister and Luke McMenamin, from my own constituency. This Government provided time in the past to have a debate on the flotilla. We need to do it again. Some 12 citizens and maybe three more, have been kidnapped by the Israeli state. That is not acceptable.
Comment on this
As we speak, flotilla organisers are reporting that the Israeli military is shooting rubber bullets at one of the last boats that has not yet been kidnapped by Israel, which has an Irish citizen on it. The Government has indicated that it will vote tomorrow against the Bill we have put forward calling for sanctions against the state that is doing this.
Comment on this
What crime do the Israelis have to commit-----
Comment on this
-----against Irish citizens or Palestinians before the Government will support sanctions?