Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will respond to the question from Deputy Gannon first, because it was specific. In that regard, I met with the Jewish community in Ireland on this issue. For me, if Ireland is to be credible and effective internationally in respect of being critical of the policy of the Israeli Government towards Palestinians, then we must be clear concerning how that is seen and interpreted by other countries and by Jewish people. Jewish people living in Ireland should not be made uncomfortable or be targeted because of their association with Israel due to the strong political views held in Ireland concerning the relationship between Israel and Palestinians. Many examples, unfortunately, have been given to me of Jewish people who have been targeted online because of who they are. We must be careful, therefore, regarding how we speak and the language that we use to voice our frustrations.

In particular, when I used strong and emotive language in May, I believe I was on the right side of that line but I know many other people who were speaking passionately used highly emotive language as well. When we start referring to racist, colonial settlement enterprises and so on, that can be interpreted by some as a reflection on a people rather than a Government policy-----