Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach's approach at EU level, and this has been consistent since he became Taoiseach, has never been in the interests of the citizens of this State and his attitude to the Greek Government, and it was echoed by the Fianna Fáil leader, is clearly motivated by his own narrow electoral interests. His approach does not represent the sentiments of the majority of Irish citizens. Sinn Féin has been very clear in extending our support and solidarity to the Greek people who have stood up against the vested and powerful interests in the EU and the ECB. It is a pity that the Taoiseach's Government did not show the same confidence, the same sense of self-respect and the same sense of duty to Irish citizens as the Greek Government has shown to theirs.

The Taoiseach's reported comments to Prime Minister Tsprias in which he tried to peddle Ireland's two-tier economy, which is facilitating growing inequality and social disadvantage, as some sort of positive model - bearing in mind that earlier the Taoiseach could not answer a question from me as to how citizens with disabilities have been left waiting for two years to have very modest support - shows, in many ways, the conservatism of this Government.

Just before the European Council meeting took place there was elections in Israel and the right wing Likud Party received the highest share of the vote and Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to form a coalition government this time. However, in the run up to last week's election he stated that he will continue to do everything he can to deny the Palestinian people their right to independence and self-determination. On the morning of the vote Mr. Netanyahu also released a video condemning Arabs for turning out in high numbers to vote and blaming this on foreign funded non-governmental organisations, NGOs. This was both racist and anti-democratic. The EU and other countries worldwide have an important role to play in ensuring the two state solution is supported and promoted, and I understand this is the view of the Taoiseach's Government. Were Mr. Netanyahu's comments discussed at the Council meeting? I welcome the recent visit there of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan. The Irish Government has been vocal in its support for the two state solution but has sat back for far too long on the recognition of Palestine.

Towards the end of last year, as the Taoiseach will recall, motions were unanimously passed in the Dáil and the Seanad calling on the Taoiseach's Government to urgently recognise the State of Palestine. He has yet to do this. Why is that the case? Are Mr. Nehanyahu's comments not are a call to action? Do we not need to send a clear message to the outgoing or incoming Prime Minister of Israel, whoever he or she might be, that they do not control or own Palestinian sovereignty. That right belongs solely to the Palestinian people. Will the Taoiseach now, as a matter of urgency, set the wheels in motion to ensure that this State becomes the 136th state to recognise the State of Palestine?

Recently, my party colleague and the chairperson of the European Parliament's delegation to Palestine, Martina Anderson MEP, was denied access to Gaza by the Israeli authorities. This is the second time she and delegations of European parliamentarians have been denied access to that part of the Palestinian territories. It is unacceptable that an official EU delegation to Palestine is refused entry to inspect the dreadful situation there. I know the Taoiseach was there some time ago and we all know that the situation has deteriorated since then. It is unacceptable given that the EU is the largest financial donor to the Palestinians and that a delegation of the European Parliament should not be allowed to visit it. I was also denied access on my last visit to that region. Will the Taoiseach formally complain to the Israeli ambassador in Dublin about their continually refusing entry to Gaza to Irish political representatives?

I also note the Taoiseach's remarks on the conflict in Ukraine. Sinn Féin welcomes the Minsk agreements, the ceasefires and the potential bridge to a genuine peace process but there has been firing from both sides on the front line which is undermining the ceasefire. Will the Taoiseach agree that the onus is on all sides and on international actors to reduce tensions in the region, to focus on resolving the conflict and to urgently tackle the humanitarian crisis that has been created in Ukraine?

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