Opposition calls for ‘vote of conscience’ on Israel Bonds
By Cillian Sherlock, PA
Opposition parties have requested a free “vote of conscience” on a motion calling on the Government to stop the Central Bank from facilitating the sale of Israel Bonds.
The Central Bank of Ireland is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU.
Israel Bonds have been advertised as supporting the country’s economy, and more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The Central Bank is responsible for assessing whether a prospectus for the offer of securities is in compliance with requirements of the EU Prospectus Regulation, with the authority saying approval should not be viewed as “an endorsement of the issuer”.
Protesters have demonstrated outside the Central Bank and called for legislation that would give Ireland the power to refuse the sale of Israeli “war bonds” over human rights concerns.
Last month, a Sinn Féin bill which would have imposed restrictions securities on behalf of Israel was defeated after the Government voted against the draft legislation.
On Wednesday, the Dáil will vote on a motion on the matter brought by a number of opposition parties during the Social Democrats’ time.
The motion says the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza and argues Ireland has an obligations under the Genocide Convention to use all means likely to have a deterrent effect on those suspected of preparing genocide.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney said: “We have failed as an international community to prevent a genocide from happening so now we have to do everything in our power to make sure that we stop it.”
She added: “We are urging the Government to allow a free vote, a vote of conscience, because we believe that this is something that many TDs will support if given the opportunity.
“And we absolutely urge the government to support this motion.”
Sinn Féin TD Sean Crowe said he believes the gap between the vote on the Sinn Féin Bill and this motion will given TDs “time to reflect”.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris called on Israel to lift a blockade on aid into Gaza.
It comes after Israeli forces stopped a Gaza-bound aid boat and detained activists on board early on Monday, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Mr Harris said the vessel was an “unarmed civilian effort” to get food and medicine to the “starving people of Gaza” in the midst of “devastation and catastrophic humanitarian conditions”.
He added: “The UN and humanitarian organisations must be allowed to work independently and do their job.
“It is a shame on the world and international community that people are starving in Gaza.
“The question we should be asking today is not a debate about the merits or not of the flotilla but how it has come to this; that the world is turning a blind eye to starving children in Gaza.”