I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for restrictions on the transit and export of weapons of war from and through the State to the state of Israel and to provide for appropriate inspections of planes seeking to transit weapons through the State, and to provide for related matters.

Next Tuesday.

I second the motion.

Amidst what we have been watching over the last period, namely, the brutal bombardment, the unconscionable blockade including that of lifesaving medical and humanitarian supplies and water, we are also seeing the systemic attempt to dismantle a society, a culture and a people. We have seen the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the targeting of hospitals, and as my colleague said, the direct demolition of universities including the museums within them. This is not anything like a war or a defensive action. It …

In contrast, perhaps, to the great generosity shown by some during Covid, as we heard from the previous speaker, the European Union had a poor moment during the Covid pandemic when it acted as a major blocker of a TRIPS waiver. Such a waiver on intellectual property and rules would have allowed sharing and access to vaccines for the global south and the widespread saving of lives. It was unfortunate that the profits of very few companies were prioritised over a threat common to all of humanity and the supporting of…

Right now all eyes are on Rafah and all hearts are with Rafah. There are 1.5 million people consolidated into a small area with each night bringing new terror. It is not only the people of Rafah under assault. Those who watch around the world know that what is being tested is the vision we have heard about for international human rights and humanity. Also being tested is the core principle, on which we are stronger because we are a neutral nation, that all lives matter, that human rights apply to everyone and that …

I know that a discussion is scheduled in the next week or two related to the issue I wish to raise. Statements on the Middle East will be held next week, but I ask not for statements, but actions. We must discuss actions in respect of the appalling situation we are seeing in Gaza. I want to begin first by highlighting that Ireland sometimes, sadly, has had the practice of speaking very sincerely, emphatically and in a strong way, but failing to follow through on that with meaningful action. One very important matte…

I will just conclude. I refer to the occupied territories Bill, which is now being spoken about regarding legal opinions. There have been legal opinions on it for years from James Crawford, Michael Lynn and Professor Takis Tridimas. They all clearly say that Ireland should be applying this. Not only has the Government failed to deliver on the occupied territories Bill or to follow through on the Bill, which I am very proud to co-sponsor-----

Sorry, the discretion of the Cathaoirleach is key because-----

I am a minute over time. I will finish on this. Not only has Ireland failed, and not only has the Government blocked the occupied territories Bill, but they have actually been investing in illegal settlements. Now is the time to follow through. I would just note that the same problem of business as usual, while ignoring human rights-----

The same problem of ignoring human rights while there is business as usual is related to another occupied territory. I am referring to Western Sahara, where they have been told-----

Western Sahara has been occupied by Morocco but we are continuing with business as usual. I am imploring for action to be taken.

I thank the Minister of State for indicating he is interested in coming back on Report Stage with regard to these areas. As we have discussed with the Minister of State directly, as well as in the Chamber, I believe it is vital the Bill does not leave the Chamber without some area of the environment, biodiversity and the SDGs being recognised. In that context I will withdraw a number of these amendments but they will come back on Report Stage. I hope the Minister of State will be either working with us or accepting…

---that we get something solid into the Bill and not just the thought. I thank the Minister of State for his engagement on that matter.

I move amendment No. 78: In page 28, to delete lines 32 to 35 and substitute the following: “of the Limerick City and County Development Plan, the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area strategic plan, the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework in relation to the provision of transport infrastructure and services in Limerick, and”.

I move amendment No. 79: In page 28, between lines 37 and 38, to insert the following: “(5) In carrying out functions under subsection (4), the transport sub-group shall act in a manner consistent with— (a) achievement of obligations under the Paris Agreement, (b) achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities, (c) achievement of the national climate objective under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, as amended, and (d…

I move amendment No. 80: In page 28, between lines 37 and 38, to insert the following: “(5) A report prepared under subsection (4) shall outline the manner in which the transport sub-group have performed their functions in a manner which advances climate action and biodiversity protection and enhancement goals, both with regard to national and international obligations.”.

I move amendment No. 81: . In page 29, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: “European Union funding 35. For the avoidance of doubt, the Mayor may apply on behalf of Limerick City and County Council for European Union funding or grants in order to further or initiate projects or policies within Limerick City and County.”. Amendment No. 81 seeks to insert a new section into the Bill. This is important and ties into some of the environmental matters we have addressed. Amendment No. 81 seeks to provide that …

In light of the fact that the Minister of State has indicated that it does seem to be the case, both directly and through the regional assembly, that there will be that capacity, I will withdraw the amendment. I think it is very useful to have such clarification on the record.

I move amendment No. 82: In page 29, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: Co-operation agreements 35. (1) The Mayor may, with the permission of the elected council, enter into co-operation agreements with other cities or municipalities both in the European Union and the wider world in order to advance diplomatic, cultural, environmental, social and economic relationships. (2) Such co-operation agreements may also be entered into with other European Union cities or municipalities for the purposes of part…