Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to much of what has been said. The people of Ireland accept that Israel is an apartheid state. We know that it engages in the annexation of Palestinian lands. We know about the illegal settlement. We know about the crimes against humanity, the executions and all the rest. It is fair to say there has been an abject failure at European level to call out Israel for what it is, namely, an apartheid terrorist state. There is a requirement for this to be done. If we cannot get agreement on doing what is necessary at European level, it means there is a greater impetus or pressure on us to do what is right. There is a need, and whether it is the occupied territories Bill or recognising the state of Palestine, it needs to happen. What happened to apartheid South Africa was that it became a pariah state. It is absolutely necessary.

I seek further information from the Taoiseach or Minister of State on where the conversations in Europe will go regarding further moves to deal with the energy markets. Beyond that, what technical capacity are we offering to try to combat what the Russians are doing as regards using cold as a weapon of mass destruction? If I could get an update at the end of the debate, I would appreciate it.

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