Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Government, I thank Deputies for their contributions to statements on the tragic and appalling events in Gaza in recent days and weeks. They have passionately articulated the shock and concern of the people at these events. The Government fully shares these sentiments. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, listened carefully to the views expressed and ideas proposed. They will be taken into account fully in his work and that of his Department on the issue.

The Government has made it clear that the events we have seen in Gaza, specifically the massive use of live ammunition without a clear, real and immediate threat to life, are unacceptable, must cease and be investigated. The Tánaiste set out clearly the restrictions in international law on the use of deadly force and that they have not been followed. I will repeat only his summary of these aspects of the issue. Like all states, Israel is entitled to defend itself and its borders, but it is not entitled to do what it has been doing this week and in recent weeks in Gaza. These points have been made clearly and strongly in successive public statements made on behalf of the Government in the Dáil and directly by the Tánaiste when he summoned the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday.

Many Deputies, perhaps reflecting the anger and frustration we have all heard from constituents, called for the expulsion of Israel's ambassador or the recall of the Irish ambassador from Israel to signal our anger at these events. The Tánaiste explained carefully in his remarks on Tuesday the reason this would not be a fruitful or appropriate response. Ireland's foreign policy has always been built on dialogue and engagement, however slow and frustrating they may be. Expelling the Israeli ambassador would command the headlines for a few days and we would feel good about ourselves, but it would permanently marginalise Ireland's voice on these issues in places that matter. We are seeking to persuade people in Europe, Israel and elsewhere of our point of view. I am not sure if Ireland has ever expelled an ambassador on the basis of differences with his or her government. That is not the correct approach to take.

The question of recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine has also been raised. The position on this matter remains unchanged. The Government is committed to recognition of Palestine as part of an overall peace settlement, as has been the policy of successive Governments. The Tánaiste has stated on a number of occasions in the Dáil his view that the moment for recognition of Palestine by Ireland has not yet arrived. Recognition must be a symbolic act and could, in the right circumstances, also be an important one. However, as a symbol, the impact and timing of recognition are everything as it will not change anything on the ground. This is an issue for the Government of Ireland.

The Tánaiste has consistently stressed on behalf of the Government Ireland's support for calls for an independent and transparent investigation of recent events in Gaza and the circumstances of such large-scale use of deadly force. Ireland this week co-sponsored a request for a special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to consider these events. It is expected that such a meeting may be held on Friday. At this session Ireland will support any appropriately worded motion to establish such an inquiry.

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