Frances Black
Industrial and Commercial Panel · Independent · Ireland
“If we lost, however, under the European Communities Act 1973 we could simply repeal that aspect of the legislation and maintain the goods ban, so there is absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is the approach Spain has taken.”
“By exempting these flows from the Bill, the Government is implementing a trade ban that deliberately omits the vast majority of Irish trade. It is consciously letting large companies providing tech, IT and other service-based trade off the hook. To me, that is a tragedy.”
“It was already the legal position of the Government of Ireland that we must ban trade with settlements. Of course, nothing changed in this period in EU law either. The EU treaties are unchanged.”
“It is intended to stay like that up until such point that a full ban is agreed at EU level, which as we know may never arrive. My colleague, Senator Higgins, will speak more on this aspect later. These obligations regarding services existed long before the ICJ advisory opinion in 2024.”
“I could not do any of it without all of those people I mentioned - I hope I have not forgotten somebody. My husband who is here has also been my rock, as has my family. It is the activists but it is also the Palestinian people who we are all here for. We cannot stop this work. We have to keep going. We have to never give up.”
“I will take a minute, if that is okay. I know everybody is anxious to see the match but I feel it is imperative I thank the people I have been working with for the last eight years who have stood by me.”
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“Last week, I was very heartened to see Senator Manus Boyle raise the defective concrete block crisis, an issue that continues to devastate lives across Donegal and beyond. There are many urgent matters relating to this crisis that remain unaddressed. Just last week, for example, the four 100% Redress party councillors took the drastic step of walking out of a meeting of Donegal County Council. This was an act of sheer frustration at the persistent lack of engagement from the Government and, in particular, the Minister for housing. These councillors are phenomenal. They represent families caught up in this humanitarian crisis. Those victims who are attempting to engage with the defective concrete blocks scheme, because they must, in order to keep their families safe, are under unbearable financial pressure.”
“We must protect our neutrality and continue to champion peace, ensuring that Ireland remains a respected voice in international affairs. I call for an urgent debate on this issue as soon as is possible.”
“It ensures that, with few exceptions, Irish military personnel cannot be deployed for combat operations abroad without prior approval from the United Nations, be it from the Security Council or the General Assembly. As a nation, we take great pride in our long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and our influential role in advocating for global disarmament and international law. Our credibility in these areas has been bolstered by our commitment to neutrality. The Government's move to abolish the triple lock signifies a fundamental and dangerous shift in our foreign policy. It signals a troubling alignment with NATO and the concept of a European army, ultimately putting the brave men and women of our Defence Forces at greater risk. We must remind ourselves of the values that define us as a nation.”
“The Irish Neutrality League held a significant press conference this morning, when a coalition of Opposition TDs and Senators united to urge our Government to heed the voices of the people. Time and time again, polls have shown that the majority of our population remains steadfastly committed to maintaining our neutrality. We must call on the Government to halt any efforts that could undermine our democracy and damage our international standing as a beacon of peace, particularly in light of its plans to abolish the triple lock. The Government has signalled its intention to advance legislation aimed at dismantling the triple lock as part of the spring legislative programme. The triple lock represents a solemn promise made to the Irish people addressing widespread concerns about militarisation and the potential erosion of our neutrality.”
“It deeply troubles me that our country is involved in the transfer of arms, knowing that these weapons, missiles and bombs will harm innocent people. Failing to do everything within our power to prevent this is the anthesis of leadership and a betrayal of our collective humanity. This is not the Civil Engagement Group telling the Minister that he needs to do this; it is the entire system of international law, the universal application of human rights and our common and shared humanity. Section 2 must form part of the Bill. It is important that the Minister accepts it to ensure Ireland complies with the Genocide Convention. I commend the section to the House and ask all colleagues for their support.”
“Where there is a risk that such munitions could be used to further commit the highest crime under international law, that of genocide and the destruction of the Palestinian people, there can be no discretion. Section 2 is a vital part of this Bill and the bare minimum required to ensure that Ireland meets its obligations under the Genocide Convention. We stand on the brink of our humanity and we must halt all arms traffic to Irish airspace immediately. We must never facilitate the transfer of weapons that seek to ethically cleanse the people of Palestine. Our survival is intertwined with each other and the choices we make. Every action we take is a step towards freedom for the Palestinian people and each action is vital.”
“Under this section, the Minister would be prevented from granting exemptions on three grounds, namely, if the aircraft weapons carried weapons or dual-use items with military capabilities and were destined for Israel; if it carried such armaments with a risk of being deployed by the state of Israel; and if it was destined for or arriving from another country that has active arms exports to Israel. Under such circumstances, the Minister’s discretion to waive the legal requirement for such weapons entering Irish airspace would be removed. As a result, the legal requirement to enforce the law and seek criminal penalties for those found to violate its provisions would be absolute and guaranteed.”
“However, under section 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973, the Minister for Transport has the power to grant exemptions from this vital legal prohibition and the criminal offence attached to it. Essentially, the Minister has discretion to waive his or her responsibility to ensure the law is being followed on places in Irish airspace. Section 2 of our Bill would make an important change to this provision.”
“This underscores the necessity of this legislation. We introduced this Bill last May. I am deeply disheartened that almost a year has passed since. This equates to hundreds of nights of terror for the people Gaza. It means another year has passed and Ireland remains uncertain about its level of complicity. That is something we have to highlight today. This Bill is offered as part of the suite of measures required to align Irish law with its obligations under international law, specifically the 1948 Genocide Convention. Under Irish law, it is a criminal offence for munitions of war to be carried on an aircraft in our sovereign airspace.”
“The people of Gaza are starving today due to the complete Israeli siege of Gaza for the past 32 days. I am talking now about today. Tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians have been displaced again, some for the tenth time since Israel started its war on Gaza. It is outrageous. In the West Bank, the Israeli army continued its military attacks in most areas. This week in the West Bank, 300 armed terrorist Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Duma in the Nablus area. They burned three cars, destroyed two farms and shot three civilians with live ammunition, including a child. The Israeli army did nothing to arrest or stop the illegal settlers. We cannot guarantee that the technology used to target the most vulnerable civilian infrastructure - hospitals and schools - did not pass through Irish airspace or airports.”
“The ruling came in the third month of Israel's military onslaught on a densely populated territory less than half the size of County Dublin. The death toll, the criminal tactics used by Israeli military, the constant forced displacement of a civilian population and the bombing of hospitals and children living in tents have changed the context beyond any recognised form. There could not be more pressure on us to act decisively and to do so now. I will give a few facts I heard today. The Israeli army continues its genocide in Gaza and has committed a new massacre in Gaza this afternoon. It conducted an airstrike on the UNRWA clinic in Jabalia in which 22 innocent civilians, including ten children, were murdered. That occurred this afternoon.”
“That is grand, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for being here today, and I will speak to section 2. The intention of this Private Members' Bill is to prevent Ireland from being actively complicit in Israel's ongoing genocide in Palestine. It is not a claim we make lightly. The International Court of Justice warned us 14 months ago that Israel was plausibly committing the crime of genocide in Gaza. Ever since that ruling, Ireland, as a signatory of the Genocide Convention, has been legally required under international law to prevent and punish genocide and to refrain from aiding or assisting in its commission. Since the ruling was handed down in January 2024, the situation, as we have all said today, has worsened to a degree that we scarcely could have imagined.”
“I spoke this morning with Jews for Palestine Ireland, which told me it strongly opposes the Irish Government's adoption of the IHRA definition. It stated that the IHRA definition suppresses meaningful criticism of Israel while failing to protect Jewish people from antisemitism. I call for a debate on this issue. It is a very important one and I ask the Leader to organise a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs on this issue as a matter of urgency.”
“The IHRA definition of antisemitism adopted by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Harris, in his statement on 16 January, however, takes the deeply concerning and problematic step of equating antisemitism with criticism of the actions of the state of Israel. This is a regressive step which must be reversed as a matter of urgency. In April 2023, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and more than 104 civil society groups signed a letter opposing this definition, warning that it has been used to wrongly label criticism of Israel as antisemitic. The letter states: The IHRA definition has often been used to wrongly label criticism of Israel as antisemitic, and thus chill and sometimes suppress, non-violent protest, activism and speech critical of Israel and/or Zionism, including in the US and Europe.”
“We are only asking for one small thing, namely, to pass the occupied territories Bill. It is not even that big a deal; it is about banning goods from the illegal settlements. That is the only consequence we have and yet nothing has been done. Today, I also raise the worrying inclusion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, IHRA, definition of anti-Semitism in the programme for Government. I highlight the 5,000 signatures on the Uplift petition calling for its immediate removal. We should all be deeply concerned by the worrying growth of antisemitism, particularly antisemitic violence around the world. It must be condemned in all its forms.”
“Yesterday morning I woke up to the devastating news of what is happening again in Gaza. Innocent people are being murdered. Men, women and children are being blown to bits again by Netanyahu and his army. These are people who are already starving and have no healthcare. Some of the videos are absolutely harrowing, devastating and outrageous. The world is watching. We are all standing here saying "Oh my goodness, isn't it terrible and isn't it awful?" My god, nobody is doing anything. There are absolutely no consequences for the ethnic cleansing in both Gaza and the West Bank. We see an apartheid regime in the West Bank and illegal settlements growing on a daily basis, where Israel is breaking international law. How many times have I said this? No action has been taken.”
“Older people across Ireland today and in future deserve a protective legal framework that respects, protects and fulfils their rights to safety, security, and happiness.”
“It has called for safeguarding duties to be legally imposed on the providers of certain services, the establishment of a social work-led adult safeguarding body, a statutory duty to report harm, statutory powers to receive reports of harm of at-risk adults, and the extension of barring and safety orders under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 to address domestic abuse against at-risk adults. A large body of expert legal policy and political work has been delivered at the Minister of State's door as he assumes this role and I have no doubt that he has a mountain of work ahead of him, but the House has already agreed unanimously that this issue is critical and must be addressed. I would be grateful if he could update the House with his plans in this area.”
“I would be grateful if the Minister of State could provide an update in his reply. In April 2024, the Law Reform Commission published the draft adult safeguarding Bill 2024 and the criminal law (adult safeguarding) Bill 2024. As the Minister of State knows, the LRC has statutory responsibility for identifying gaps in legislation and recommending change. When the LRC publishes a suite of legislative initiatives totalling almost 200 pages, there is a clear responsibility on the Government to respond. It is a concern that adult safeguarding receives no mention in the motion or in the programme for Government. In addition to legal change, the LRC has made several important recommendations.”
“The Bill, for the first time, proposed a particular regulatory framework for adult safeguarding that was rights based while also proposing additional protections and supports for adults who may be at risk of exploitation or abuse and were unable to protect themselves. I am delighted that the Law Reform Commission saw fit to include the issue of adult safeguarding in its fifth programme of law reform. This was on foot of a hearing at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health in October 2017 and followed the passage of the Bill to Second Stage in the Seanad earlier that year. The cross-party consensus from politicians, legal experts, civil society and advocates on the need for this change is, therefore, crystal clear. What is the status of these proposals in his Department is?”
“In the major report from last year, the Law Reform Commission stated that reform of this area must “entail comprehensive, cross-sectoral legislation which assigns responsibility for regulation and oversight to appropriate bodies, and provides powers, duties and obligations for those who interact with adults, who may be at-risk adults, across different settings.” The call for a major legislative overhaul has been echoed by civil society, patient advocates, organisations representing older people, and elderly people themselves. It is clear that a unified and comprehensive approach is needed and that legislation must be brought forward to implement that. In 2017, my Civil Engagement Group colleagues and I introduced and progressed the Adult Safeguarding Bill.”
“We all know that the quality of the care received by elderly people, and particularly the vulnerable in need of specific care and supports, articulates the values and principles of the society in which we live. By this measure, the State is not meeting its responsibilities. There are many heartbreaking personal testimonies of the State's failure to safeguard the rights of elderly people, which is a major cause of concern. It is important that we act now to get the supports, the services and, crucially, legal protective frameworks in place as we prepare for the future. The Law Reform Commission has identified the area of adult safeguarding - keeping adults and, particularly, older adults in the State’s care safe from harm - as one in which Ireland is glaringly lacking a unified and cross-sectoral approach.”
“I am concerned in particular about the workers in the sector, particularly regarding low salaries, precarious conditions, access to pensions and limited pathways to further career progression. I therefore ask that this form a central part of our conversation on reforms moving forward, especially to avert any potential industrial action by workers in our care homes. Ireland’s population is ageing fast. The Central Statistics Office predicts that almost one in four people will be over the age of 65 by 2050. In 25 years, we want older people in Ireland to be able to live happy, healthy and active lives. The time to prepare for that is now.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad and congratulate him on his recent appointment. I look forward to working with him across his important brief in the coming term. I am grateful to the Fine Gael Senators for bringing forward this important and timely motion on care, supports and the enhanced provision of services for older people. It is certainly an area in urgent need of political will, resources and funding by the Government. I welcome the commitments relating to older people in the recently published programme for Government which are reproduced in the motion before us. There is no doubt about the clear need for a statutory home care scheme and dementia supports and to secure the future of the nursing home sector.”
“In that address, which she entitled "Cherishing the Irish Diaspora", President Robinson stated: "The truest way of cherishing our diaspora is to offer them, at all times, the reality of this island as a place of peace where the many diverse traditions in which so many of them have their origins, their memories, their hopes are bound together in tolerance and understanding." I can think of no better way to honour those beautiful words than by extending the Irish people living abroad a role in choosing her successor. Our diaspora is not just a chapter of Ireland's long history. It is a modern relationship that exists today, with both obligations and commitments. I ask the Minister of State to comment on this and to bring this issue back to the Department as a matter of urgency.”
“The Irish Presidency has been an office held by individuals that represent the Irish people at home and abroad with distinction and it stands to reason that a representative of Irish people around the world should be voted for by all Irish people, independent of where they live. The issue was of such importance to former President, Mary Robinson, that it was the sole subject of her presidential address to a special sitting of both Houses of the Oireachtas on 2 February 1995.”
“That includes my own two brothers who live away and who would love to be able to contribute. Many of the logistic concerns regarding such an election are often cited in bad faith to justify the unacceptable status quo that somehow millions of distantly descended Americans with no connection to Ireland would overwhelm our domestic electorate. That really does a disservice to the Oireachtas and to the legislative process to claim that we, as Members, could not legislate for a fair and balanced system that allows participation from both within and outside by those with a legitimate connection to Ireland. I agree with my colleague Senator Harmon. We definitely need a referendum and then we can legislate. It is not rocket science. It is that simple; we have a referendum and then we legislate.”
“We must ask the question: why should a Trinity College Dublin or NUI graduate be afforded access to voting from abroad while millions of others are disenfranchised? We owe our young people living abroad a better life here than that which drove them away By extending voting rights for our highest office we can begin a conversation that could bring them home. There have been countless reports, debates and expert analyses of the principle and the practice of allowing votes to be cast for the presidency from abroad. As we look out at a shifting and uncertain international landscape we should be looking for ways to immediately and proactively activate and engage one of Ireland's greatest resources, which is the millions of Irish people living as our diaspora who want a way to feel legitimately connected to their homeland.”
“In his response, can he give us an idea of the Government’s plan to advance this necessary change? In September 2019, the Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill to allow for a referendum was introduced by the former Minister, Simon Coveney. A Government decision at that time was made to postpone change due to the uncertainty related to Brexit. However, we are now five years on from the Bill's introduction and four years since the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Will the Minister of State comment on that delay please? There is no doubt that Ireland is an outlier in western democracies in excluding our diaspora almost entirely from our democratic process. The fact that we allow elections to this House from abroad but for no other elected office in the State adds to the hypocrisy.”
“Undoubtedly, we all benefit here from our association with the Irish people and communities doing incredible work in our name around the world. In this spirit, I pay tribute to our former colleague, the late Senator, Billy Lawless, for his tireless work on behalf of the Irish diaspora, especially those living undocumented in the United States. As an advocate in the United States, Billy Lawless exemplified the role and work of our diaspora. I again pay great tribute to his work. A cause particularly close to his heart was the extension of voting rights to Irish people living abroad in Irish Presidential elections. This is the issue I wish to raise today with the Minister of State as he assumes his brief. I am concerned it has fallen from the political agenda.”
“Seeing the stories of people who left many years ago, it must have been awful for them having to leave Ireland, especially during the Famine era, and after it, to head to another country not knowing what was ahead of them. It must have been quite a scary process to leave their family and never see them again. We would do well in Ireland today to remember the lessons from our own history as we legislate to welcome those making dangerous journeys from afar and coming here to Ireland in search of a good life. We are all, rightly, proud of the contributions of Irish people living abroad across diverse fields, including, as my colleague mentioned, art and music, sport, global health, human rights and peace-building around the world.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here and offer him huge congratulations on his recent appointment. I think back to 2016 when we used to sit over there and have the craic on that side of the House, so it is great to see where he is today. I look forward to working with him on issues across his brief in the coming term. I start by paying tribute to the millions of Irish people who live beyond the shores of our island, whether they emigrated recently or claim Irish heritage or ancestry, and to all who feel a meaningful connection to contemporary Ireland through our diaspora. The history of Ireland and its people has often been a story of migration, of leaving home to make a journey despite danger and uncertainty and to arrive at a faraway destination in the hope of having a better life. I have travelled down to Cobh many times.”
“We must stay committed to military neutrality and a proud tradition of multilateral approval for the work of Irish soldiers who deploy to serve on peacekeeping missions around the world. I ask for the Tánaiste to come before the House. I call for a debate on this absolutely vital issue. The Irish people need to know about what is proposed. I hope all of the those in opposition are on board with my request.”
“Under the 1950 uniting for peace resolution, the General Assembly is specifically empowered to act where the Security Council fails due to a permanent member veto, including in the context of potential military deployment. Furthermore, in 2015, the assembly acted to authorise a war crimes investigation in Syria despite the threat of a Russian veto at the Security Council. The Tánaiste's claims that Ireland's hands are tied by a Russian veto at the Security Council are contradicted by the very text of the legislation that he is seeking to overturn, which is very worrying. Once overturned, Ireland's role as a peaceful, militarily non-aligned country will be forever diminished and damaged. The work of UN diplomacy in this international context is, of course,challenging and painstaking. Nonetheless, I urge the Tánaiste to reverse course.”
“They have a right to be consulted on this massive change to our foreign relations. I am further deeply concerned by the arguments the Tánaiste has used in recent weeks. He claims that under the triple lock, each permanent member of the Security Council holds a veto over the deployment of Irish peacekeepers abroad. This is simply not true. The Defence (Amendment) Act 2006 specifically defines UN authorisation under the triple lock as including resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly. As we all know, there are no permanent members or vetoes in play at the General Assembly. Decisions are made by all UN member states, including Ireland.”
“It is vital to raise the issue of Ireland's policy of military neutrality, which is now under clear threat from this Government. I am deeply concerned by reports that the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, has begun preparations for the purchase of a fleet of fighter jets at a cost to the Exchequer of between €60 million and €100 million per year. In light of yesterday's formal approval by Cabinet of the dismantling of the triple lock, this is extremely alarming. Ireland's long and proud tradition of military neutrality is under existential threat. The speed and intensity with which this new Government is moving has to be condemned. Military neutrality is a policy that has enjoyed the overwhelming support of the Irish people in successive opinion polls. Public outrage about this matter in recent weeks has been tangible and clear.”
“We also need a dedicated strategy for social housing and the removal of current financial caps. This crisis has been ongoing for 14 years and it really has reached breaking point. It is vital to have an immediate solution to protect these families, communities and the economy of Donegal. Will the Minister give us an update as to what is going to happen and what the Government is going to do for the people of Donegal living in these horrific situations?”
“Homeowners are unable to seal the cracks in their homes as doing so could disqualify them from remediation. As a result, these homes remain exposed to the elements, allowing pests to invade and making it impossible to keep them warm. The situation is both cruel and unacceptable and leaves families in dire conditions. The impact extends beyond individual homes because essential community buildings, like shops, care homes and leisure facilities are also at risk, threatening the very fabric of towns and villages. We urgently need Government intervention. This includes a fully funded, science-led remediation scheme for all affected properties, immediate provision of modular homes for displaced families and the inclusion of all affected buildings in the remediation plan.”
“I wish to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Donegal caused by the defective concrete blocks crisis. I was there myself recently and met with the families. It is absolutely devastating. We must consider the families, including the elderly and vulnerable within those families. They are trapped in homes that are structurally unsound and plagued by damp and mould. Children are actually at most risk and citizens are suffering from constant respiratory issues, while babies are exposed to hazardous spores in their own homes. The mental health aspect of this is off the Richter scale and there has been new evidence that speaks to the impact on mental health the defective concrete blocks crisis has had. It definitely is a health crisis and cannot be ignored.”
“She understands the challenges facing our communities and approaches them with passion and pragmatism. As Leas-Chathaoirleach, Eileen would bring a fresh perspective, a collaborative spirit and an unyielding commitment to the values we all hold dear. Might I add that Eileen is the first Traveller elected to the Seanad. She has made history. It would also make history if she were voted as Leas-Chathaoirleach today. I urge everybody to join me in supporting Senator Eileen Flynn for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach.”
“She has worked diligently to improve mental health services and to ensure that every individual has access to the support they need. She has fought for opportunities for minority groups, striving to create an inclusive society where everyone can thrive. One of Eileen's most significant achievements has been leadership as Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community. In this role she brought not only important issues to the forefront but also gave a voice to those who have often been marginalised. Her advocacy has been instrumental in pushing for hate crime legislation, ensuring our laws reflect our commitment to equality and justice for all. Eileen embodies the qualities of integrity, empathy and an unwavering commitment to service, which we seek in our leaders.”
“I move: "That Senator Eileen Flynn be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach." It is a great honour to propose my friend and colleague Senator Eileen Flynn for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad. Eileen is not just a Senator; she is a beacon of hope and change for many. Prior to her election in 2020 she had dedicated more than a decade of her life as a human rights activist and a community worker. Eileen has tirelessly championed essential causes, advocating for housing rights, marriage equality and antiracism. Her commitment to social justice is not merely a matter of policy but the reflection of her profound compassion for humanity. Since joining the Seanad in 2020, Eileen has continued to demonstrate her unwavering dedication to the issues that matter most.”
“In 2014 Ireland and the EU quickly banned trade in goods and services with the Russian occupied territory and this ban was implemented within months of Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine. Why should there be a double standard? There should not be. International law must be applied equally and consistently, otherwise it means nothing. This is even more critical given the EU's inadequate response to the genocide in Gaza recently. I reiterate that if we want to implement the ICJ ruling, the quickest way is to pass the occupied territories Bill. I am open to technical amendments to strengthen it, but what matters is that a full ban is enacted and we hold up our commitments. Will the Minister, who said last week that he would meet with me, meet with me? We urgently need a meeting.”
“That is the question I ask today, and it is a crucial question that we must all ask. Let us not forget international law. In July 2024 the ICJ issued a historic finding stating that the occupation and the settlements are illegal and that there is an obligation on all states not to trade with them. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have both acknowledged these obligations. The programme for Government also commits to following the ICJ. However, the court emphasised that states must abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel regarding the occupied territories and illegal settlements. There is no ambiguity. Trade means trade, end of story, and we cannot ignore politically challenging aspects. What I am asking for today is not new.”
“As we all know, I have been advocating for the Bill since 2018 because it is the right thing to do. The settlements are illegal. End of story. They rob families of their land and undermine the prospects of peace. Before the election the Government fully committed to supporting this Bill, but now it is obviously proposing its own version. As far as I am concerned, I do no care who brings in the Bill, whether it is me or the Government. It does not matter. What matters here is the policy. What I want to know today is whether the Government will implement a full ban on all trade with illegal settlements. Will the Government's Bill comply with international law as clarified by the International Court of Justice, or will it include exemptions and weaken the mandate?”
“I apologise for not being here last week to hear everybody's maiden speeches. I congratulate both colleagues who were re-elected and those new people who have just been elected. I am truly honoured to have been re-elected to Seanad Éireann. I thank all those who voted for me. I must highlight the position regarding the occupied territories Bill. We all know that the situation to which it relates has become a crisis in the seven years since I introduced the legislation. Thankfully, there is a ceasefire in Gaza today. In the past year, however, the world has witnessed both a horrific war and a silent catastrophe unfolding in the West Bank. We are seeing one of the largest land grabs in decades. Homes are being destroyed, families are being uprooted, and innocent lives are lost to violence.”