Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government's position on what is happening in the Middle East is very clear. We have continued to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages unconditionally and full and unhindered humanitarian access so the people of Gaza get the essential supplies they need. The Government does not interfere in decisions that are appropriately made by relevant sporting organisations when it comes to fulfilling fixtures. Were the Government to get into that space, it would be completely wrong and inappropriate. The players have been placed in a very difficult position but that is not because of the Government or Basketball Ireland. We need leadership and decisiveness from FIBA, the international organisation. Putting individual players or individual country teams into a position where they have to make the call, which can impact on their careers, their ability to compete in the future and on funding, is not fair on them. It should not fall on them to make that decision.

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