Ireland cannot be complicit through inaction
Ireland cannot be complicit through inaction - The Labour Party
- Government must match words with action on Gaza and Ukraine
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has called on the Government to take meaningful action to uphold international law and protect human life, warning that statements of concern are no substitute for practical measures. Speaking during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today, Deputy Bacik challenged the Taoiseach on Ireland’s response to the ongoing devastation in Gaza, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the Government’s failure to take stronger action where it has the power to do so. She called on the Government to support the full passage of the Occupied Territories Bill, including services, examine all available options regarding the proposed Ireland-Israel football match, and ensure that Irish-made materials are not contributing to Russia’s war effort.
Deputy Bacik said:
“People across Ireland are deeply concerned by the horrors unfolding in Gaza and by the continuing brutality of Russia’s war on Ukraine. They expect more than expressions of concern. They expect action.
“This Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to international law, human rights and the protection of civilians. Yet when opportunities arise to take meaningful action, we continue to see hesitation and delay. That is deeply concerning at a time when the international rules-based order is under such pressure.
“In the Dáil today, I raised the widespread public concern about the proposed Ireland-Israel football match and the broader question of how Ireland responds when states face credible accusations of grave breaches of international law. I also reiterated Labour’s call for the full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and for the Occupied Territories Bill to be enacted in full, including a ban on both goods and services connected to illegal settlements.
“I also raised the serious concerns surrounding exports from Aughinish Alumina. Reports that Irish-produced alumina may be ending up in Russia for use in the production of materials supporting Putin’s war effort demand urgent scrutiny. This is a complex issue involving hundreds of jobs and a strategically important facility, but complexity cannot become an excuse for inaction.
“The Taoiseach’s response today was disappointing. While he acknowledged that there is no simple solution on Aughinish Alumina and pointed to ongoing engagement with the European Commission, he failed to set out any clear plan to address these concerns or to explain what further action the Government is prepared to take.
“The Government has also chosen to advance plans to abolish the Triple Lock despite strong public support for retaining it. At a time of increasing global instability, Ireland should be strengthening its commitment to multilateralism, neutrality and international law.
“Labour is calling on the Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill in full, to take all necessary steps to ensure Ireland is not facilitating Russia’s war effort, and to use Ireland’s influence internationally to uphold human rights and international law. Families in Gaza, civilians in Ukraine and people who believe in a rules-based international order deserve more than words. The Government must act now.”