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Tanya Lalor, a PhD researcher in international law, yesterday presented the findings of her research on the trade of ‘dual-use’ goods, which can be used for military purposes, between Ireland and Israel.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ms Lalor said: “Ireland has purchased military drones from Aeronautics, and the state pays them €295,000 each year for support and maintenance of these drones.

“Aeronautics is owned by the Israeli government through its parent company, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, and its aerial vehicles or drones have been used by Israel in its current assault on Gaza.”

She added: “Ireland is bound by EU procurement laws including respect for human rights in the country of final destination. These criteria should prohibit Ireland from engaging in dual-use trade with Israel.”

Brian Cuthbert, a campaigner with Uplift, said the Irish government should “immediately stop exporting ‘dual-use’ goods that can be used for military purposes to Israel”.

He added: “This research shows that the state has a contract with Israeli IDF-linked companies for drones. If this government really cares about what is happening to the people of Palestine they would not be sending them money in exchange for drones.”

Leila Shomali, a fellow PhD researcher in international law in Ireland, said: “This report exposes how this government has so far engaged the public on Palestine through political gaslighting.

“By refusing to acknowledge its exports of dual-use goods to Israel, recognise its complicity or duty to stop the genocide through sanctions and cutting of all ties, it has proven that it values its relationship to war criminal Netenyahu and his government more than its duty to the hundreds of thousands of Irish people in solidarity with Palestine.”