Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Germany is the most powerful state in the European Union and probably the biggest supporter in Europe of the state of Israel. Does the Taoiseach ever raise questions with it about its policy of providing pretty much uncritical support for Israel, particularly given what has happened? Before the Easter break, I warned the Taoiseach in this House that innocent, unarmed protestors would be shot by Israeli snipers. That was two days before it happened and the Taoiseach did not answer the question. I asked him to speak up if people were killed, but the European Union has remained silent. Unarmed protestors marched to vindicate international law. The right to return is part of international law, as confirmed by United Nations resolutions. Some 34 unarmed Palestinians were shot for trying to assert their rights under international law.

No Israeli diplomats were expelled and there was no threat of sanctions or discussion of military strikes or other measures. Does the Taoiseach think he should speak up to the leaders of other European Union countries, Germany in particular, who do not like to criticise Israel, and tell them this is not acceptable and that Europe should take action and sanction Israel for this murderous activity?

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