Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach's response on the progress with the matters pertaining to what I describe as so-called legally binding guarantees as an attachment to the Lisbon treaty was very vague. Apart altogether from the next planned address of these matters at the June European Council meeting, when will he be in a position to give a definitive report to the Houses of the Oireachtas in regard to them? Is he not in a position to give an interim report, which he gave to other Heads of State at last week's European Council meeting in Brussels on progress with same? He has not given us that information today.

In regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with Israel, I put it to the Taoiseach that the notion of a suspension of that agreement which deals specifically with preferential trading arrangements would, in some way, close down the avenue of dialogue and engagement does not hold up. I am immediately reminded of the attitude adopted by President Reagan in the United States to sanctions on South Africa during the course of the dreadful apartheid years. One must take a stand.

In my opening remarks, I was forthright in acknowledging that the Government has been vocal in its opposition to what has happened in Gaza. Does the Taoiseach accept we must go further and give international leadership? Does he accept that it is not only in terms of the Israeli audience that such steps and actions should be taken by the European Community but that the Palestinian people also need to see action and not only hear utterances on the part of the collective weight of the European Community? It is about direct dialogue with the Palestinian people and the people of Israel and their respective representatives.

It is hugely important that a step such as this would be considered. If the Taoiseach is absolutely opposed to this specific proposition, what further steps are he and the Government currently considering to bring it home to the Israeli Government that its actions are unacceptable and that over that period of time 431 children were killed in the sequential bombardment? This horrific action on the part of a democratically elected Government——

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