Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)

On the same issue, we have just about 48 hours until this Dáil is dissolved and we should make those hours count. With only a few days left in office, the Government has finally said we can enact the occupied territories Bill, but claims it has run out of time. Not only does it underestimate the strength of feeling on the need to enact this Bill, it also underestimates the public's understanding that the Taoiseach decides whether we have run out of time by virtue of when he calls the election, not to mention that the Social Democrats and other Opposition parties have offered time. We offered two hours on Thursday to help to enact the Bill. We are still willing to offer this time.

Inaction in the face of genocide is complicity and constantly comparing Ireland's strong language to a bar that is very low does not fly with the general public any more. They want concrete action on this, not promises before an election. Even at this late stage, the Government can do the right thing. Will the Taoiseach please reconsider and use the Opposition time offered to enact this Bill?

Will the Taoiseach also provide clarity on the concerning information published by The Ditch this morning, that the US ambassador contacted the Government about there being consequences if the Bill were to be enacted? Is that true? Did she offer to speak to the Attorney General? Did that happen? Is this the reason the Government is refusing to enact the occupied territories Bill?

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