162. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will ensure the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF, is fully divested from all companies, directly and indirectly, involved in illegally occupied Palestinian territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10053/26]

Sentiment score: 0.13

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF, still has investments in companies operating in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories. Over €6 million of our money remained invested in six companies identified on the UN database at the end of 2024. This is an arm of our State actively profiting from companies working on illegally occupied land. Will the Tánaiste ensure that the ISIF fully divests from companies operating in illegally occupied Palestinian territories?

Sentiment score: 0.25

The issue here is that there should not be a single cent of Irish public money invested in companies operating illegally in the occupied territories of Palestine. I do not believe there is any public support for our money being used in that way. What is clearly needed is an absolutely full divestment by the ISIF - which invests public money - from companies operating in the occupied territories. I am calling for full divestment. Will the Tánaiste also call for that? Will he call for a full divestment by the ISIF from any companies operating illegally in the occupied territories in breach of international law? Will he join me in calling for that?

Sentiment score: 0.16

I am not clear whether the Tánaiste is actually justifying the current situation. Is he justifying it or making excuses for it? Not a single cent of our money should be invested in companies operating in illegally occupied territories in Palestine. The Tánaiste knows this and I know this. The public do not want their money invested there. I am making an easy ask to the Tánaiste. I am not asking him to direct the strategic investment fund. I understand that, because of its independence, he cannot do so. However, he can publicly give his view and call on it to divest fully. There is nothing in law to stop him doing that. The Tánaiste is able to give his opinion on that and call for it. I ask him to make a stand now and call on the fund to divest in full from any companies in breach of international law in the Palestinian territories. Will the Tánaiste join me in making that call?

Sentiment score: 0.01