Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by addressing the situation in Ukraine. It is shocking that Europe, and indeed the world, is once again back in a situation where the relationship between Russia and her western neighbours has become deeply troubled. Fear and distrust appear to have become deeply entrenched.

The recent downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight with its catastrophic loss of life brought home to me the severity of the situation in Ukraine and the threat posed to Europe by developments in eastern Ukraine in particular. I am acutely conscious that among the many victims of that appalling act of terrorism, one casualty was an Irish woman on her way back to Australia, where she had lived for many years, following a visit home with family here. I take this opportunity, as Leader of the Seanad, to offer my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.

The shooting down of a civilian aircraft was an appalling act of violence and savagery which has been compounded day in and day out by the totally unacceptable manner in which the crash site has been treated. The treatment of the victims' remains and possessions has been particularly disrespectful. We have truly moved into a most disturbing phase in the relationship between Russia and the West.

The sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union send out a strong message that we will not tolerate the systematic destabilisation of Ukraine. In the meantime, violence persists in eastern Ukraine and casualties are mounting, among them many children.

We must hope the sanctions will achieve their goal, that Russia will come to her senses and that stability will be restored to the region.

I move to the situation in the Middle East. Like many colleagues and others around the world, I am appalled and distressed by the rapid deterioration of the situation in Gaza and the shockingly high level of civilian casualties. Flare-ups of violence, destruction and death recur in the region with depressing regularity and frequency. I am sorry to note that they will continue to recur until we see a meaningful peace agreement put in place. Ireland's position is clear that a long-term solution means a two-state solution. It means the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and an end to all violence, including rocket attacks and military offensives. Given the frightening speed at which the latest round of violence has escalated, Ireland's desire to see a fast and effective investigation led by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is well grounded. This was articulated clearly as the Irish position before the meeting of the Human Rights Council even took place.

My personal view is that war crimes on both sides have taken place and must be investigated. The international community must ensure we will have accountability, otherwise international law is meaningless. This a neutral country and we take great pride in this. We have a clear record of neutrality in Middle East matters and must guard our reputation for impartiality. Bombs and rockets will not build peace and security. It is only through hearts and minds and dialogue that a secure peace can be established. We can only hope and pray that the latest efforts to deliver peace will be successful.

I am sure many colleagues will refer to the situation in Syria where it is estimated that the death toll has exceeded 200,000 in the devastating civil war. Syria has disappeared from our television screens, as have Iraq and many other conflict zones in Africa. The UN mission to Iraq estimated that in the first six months of 2014 more than 5,500 civilians had been killed and almost 12,000 wounded. These are frightening developments which represent an acute humanitarian crisis. Our world is a fragile place. We are privileged to live in a peaceful Ireland and it is incumbent on us to play our part on the world stage to encourage the peaceful resolution of these various conflicts. Part of that contribution involves debates, including this one.

I hope all Members who have something to say will speak and that we will have a constructive debate. I hope the comments made will be more constructive than those of the leader of Sinn Féin on Waterford City and County Council who said when asked on local radio about whether he wanted the Israeli ambassador to Ireland to be sent home: "I'd prefer if the UN started shelling Israel to bring him [referring to Prime Minister Netanyahu] to heel because you can't let them butcher women and children." When the interviewer asked what that would achieve if people would not sit down and talk, the Sinn Féin councillor replied: "I know, but you have to get them to the table: the English were never coming to the table until Canary Wharf happened and then they saw they were losing International Banks, it all came down to money." Is this the type of foreign policy and diplomacy we can expect from Sinn Féin if it is ever in government? When the mask slips, this is an example of what lies beneath the surface. The people need to be made aware of it. This type of advice from Sinn Féin will certainly not help the suffering people of Palestine or advance the cause of peace in any way.