Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Following the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar there have been revelations, the most damning of which is that up to 1,200 people have lost their lives as a result of the appalling situation pertaining to workers' rights and particularly those of migrant workers. Already that loss of life taints the World Cup. Down the line given what has happened there will be a major issue in terms of the morality of Qatar hosting the World Cup. The bribery issues are very serious, but most serious of all is that so many people have lost their lives. Reports project the loss of up to 5,000 or 6,000 lives by the time all the construction work is complete.

When he was there in January the Taoiseach indicated that he would support Qatar's efforts in terms of organising the World Cup and building the stadia, etc., that would be needed. Does he agree that he should withdraw that offer of support given the loss of 1,200 lives? He should also raise the issue at a European level. It needs to become an international issue, and European and global political leaders need to raise the issue with FIFA. What is occurring is unprecedented. Many people will not be looking forward to the World Cup given the number of lives lost already and the lives that are projected to be lost.

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