Mr. Colm O'Gorman:

It is fair to say, and this is absolutely not a political point, that Ireland has, through many Governments and Ministers, played an important role internationally in advancing the debate and discussion on Israel and Palestinian rights. We want to see that continue. If it is the case that Senator O'Reilly, all members of this committee and the current Irish Government, including the current Minister for Foreign Affairs, agree with everything that is revealed in this extensive, detailed research report, then there is only one possible outcome. Ireland must immediately recognise that Israel is perpetrating the crime against humanity of apartheid and should use all mechanisms available to ensure the system is dismantled and those responsible for those crimes are held accountable. I do not believe it is possible to hold any kind of moral authority to advance the cause of human rights, peace and security if one is not prepared to stand up for and defend the rule of international law. I very much hope that is what we will see from the Irish Government. We have seen it repeatedly from the Irish political system and from successive Irish governments in the context of this particular question, and I hope we can do so again. We are engaging directly with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister and that will continue. I understand there will be statements in the Seanad on this matter in the coming weeks and that the Minister will participate in that, so I am sure we will hear more then.

On the question of maintaining the capacity to speak to both sides, I do not believe it is possible to engage in meaningful efforts to move this matter forward if we do not name simple facts. We must start from a position of establishing truth and then require all parties to any discussion to respect their obligations under international law. On the question of Ireland recognising the facts set out in this report and responding appropriately, Ireland along with all other states has an obligation under international law to name this wrong. It has an obligation simply to name and challenge this wrong and to stand up for and defend the rule of international law. That means, particularly in the case of a very grave international crime against humanity like apartheid, naming that, seeking an end to the perpetration of that crime, and ensuring those responsible are held to account.

In some ways that starts to respond to Deputy Gannon's questions about the comments made by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I understand that, in political terms, it might be felt that language can be unhelpful at times. The Taoiseach is on the record as saying the Government would not use the term "apartheid" in describing Israel's policies against the Palestinians. We are not using terms. We are providing evidence that makes it very clear that, as a matter of law, the crime of apartheid is being perpetrated. It is not a term, a turn of phrase or a glib, throwaway statement. We are applying international law to the specific context and making findings grounded in law. It is not about phraseology or terms. It is about law, respect for the rule of law, human rights and the dignity of the millions of Palestinians the international community has failed to protect for many decades.

On the question of the speaker who, I understand, is due to speak in the Oireachtas in a couple of days' time, all perspectives to this discussion are important and are welcome. Mr. Yoseph Haddad is somebody who has spoken very often about his particular perspective as a former member of the Israel Defense Forces and as an Arab citizen of Israel. Our research involved speaking to and engaging with Israeli Arabs to get their perspectives. However, on that specific question and other questions to do with the research, I will defer to my colleague, Mr. Higazi, who, as it happens, is a Palestinian citizen of Israel and can deal with that more substantively.