Richard Boyd Barrett: Ban State Funding for Firms Trading with Israel

Richard Boyd Barrett warns that reduced oversight could allow IDA and Enterprise Ireland funding to flow to companies linked to the military sector and trading with the State of Israel. He says he will press an amendment now and reserves the right to bring further amendments at report stage to block such funding.

Main concern: Reduced oversight and risk

Richard Boyd Barrett tells the Minister he is increasingly concerned that proposed changes reduce oversight of where public money is going. He highlights the risk that taxpayer-funded supports could reach companies promoting the military sector and that the end users of some exports may be involved in human rights violations.

Human rights implications

Boyd Barrett links funding decisions to potential violations of human rights and the commission of war crimes or crimes against humanity. He argues these risks require specific safeguards in the mechanisms used by state agencies.

Targeted safeguards requested

He calls for explicit restrictions preventing the IDA and Enterprise Ireland from providing funds to companies engaged in trade with the State of Israel, and signals he may table amendments to enforce these restrictions at report stage.

Next steps in the debate

The speaker says he will press his amendment immediately and reserves the right to bring further amendments at report stage, keeping the matter open while seeking clearer oversight and prohibition of funding where links to the military sector or the State of Israel exist.