Irish Taoiseach Denies Funding War with €3.6 Million Investment in Israel

TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has clarified that a €3.6 million investment in Israel will not support any war, dismissing claims that Ireland was funding a genocide in Gaza.

The Fianna Fáil leader emphasized that the Government does not dictate how public funds are invested and refuted the notion that Irish investments in Israel equated to supporting genocide in Gaza.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed that the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) had divested from all Israeli bonds in recent weeks.

During a session of Leaders’ Questions, Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan highlighted that the ISIF's investment in Israeli sovereign debt had increased from €2.62 million to €3.62 million between 2023 and 2024.

O’Callaghan criticized the deliberate decision to allocate public funds to Israeli war bonds, alleging that these funds were being used to finance a genocidal campaign.

He also raised concerns about Irish public money being indirectly invested in companies operating in occupied territories, despite efforts to pass the Occupied Territories Bill.

While Ireland divested from some companies with ties to occupied Palestinian territories, the ISIF may still be investing in businesses linked to illegal settlements.

TAOISEACH MARTIN emphasized that the Irish Government does not influence investment decisions and reiterated Ireland's opposition to the war in Gaza.

He highlighted Ireland's legislative actions against goods from occupied Palestinian territories and its interventions in international legal proceedings related to the conflict.

O’Callaghan urged the Government to direct the ISIF away from investments that violate international law in the West Bank.

Martin defended the ISIF's investments in Israeli sovereign debt, stating that the funds would not support war efforts.

He called on O’Callaghan to retract the claim that Ireland was funding genocide, emphasizing the need for factual discourse.

According to the source: The Journal.