Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Minister to the House. In my short period in this House of three years, I have got to know the Minister and I respect him highly. In terms of being a politician with integrity, he is head and shoulders above most of his peers. From that point of view, we are fortunate as an Oireachtas to have somebody of that capability leading the charge in this regard.

The people who voted to retain the Seanad will be very pleased that we are here debating this extremely serious issue. I have had e-mails and correspondence from a surprisingly large amount of people who are very pleased that we are doing this because the Irish people are a decent people and they abhor what is going on in Gaza. They abhor how the Palestinian people have been treated over many years, particularly the past seven years where the oxygen has effectively been sucked out of them. They cannot go about their daily lives the way we can. They cannot travel the way we can.

They cannot go to work with the same freedom we have. They are constantly under a black cloud of threats, hostility, aggravation and intimidation which no society or people should face. There have been many calls for the expelling of the Israeli ambassador and so forth; I would much prefer to have a negotiated settlement to these issues, which ultimately is the only way to achieve progress.

I was somewhat surprised when the European Union abstained in the vote at the United Nations and welcome the Minister's clarification and explanation. That said, I always believe that just because the European Union adopts one position does not mean that we should agree. Sometimes consensus is not what we should seek; we should always do the right thing. I have no doubt that the Minister and his officials believe they did the right thing in abstaining. Personally, I have a different view. I believe Ireland has a significant role to play above and beyond our European colleagues when it comes to peace-making.

For decades Irish missionaries have travelled all over the world promoting religious tolerance, freedom and peace. The Defence Forces have been peacemakers in very troubled parts of the world. The Government and the people have a unique role to play, given that neutrality is enshrined in the Constitution. We have international respect above and beyond that given to most of our European colleagues. We should assert it and, where necessary, get involved and negotiate to do the right thing. I have utter and absolute faith in the Minister. Were he to step above the European model and perhaps take a direct approach in trying to play a role, whether through back channels or otherwise, to help save lives in Gaza, I am very confident that it would be welcome and successful.

Just because this is a small country does not mean that we are not influential. As small countries go, Ireland is incredibly influential. Meeting today might be considered a pebble in a massive ocean that has no effect. However, when a pebble is thrown into a lake, it can have a serious ripple effect. I hope we will see something positive emanate from this debate. If nothing else, we are giving a voice to the thousands of Irish people who are horrified and disgusted at how the Palestinian people are being treated. Some 50 or 60 Israelis have needlessly lost their lives, but so have 1,300 or 1,400 Palestinians. It seems to be a conflict that is heavily weighted on one side.

We have achieved something significant today, even though we may think we have not. As an individual, I would welcome the recall of the Dáil in order that Deputies have the opportunity to express their views, as we have. I thank the Cathaoirleach agus the Leader for what they have done. I thank the Minister for a comprehensive response.