Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before I came into the Chamber, I listened again for the third time to a promotional video by the Government. It is relevant to the discussion. I do not know if the Minister of State has seen it. It is a wonderful video on Ireland which shows beautiful landscapes. It gives us 100 years of history in two and a half minutes. It tells us that 100 years ago, we took our place among the nations of the world and ever since, we have stood for peace, democracy, justice and human rights. It goes on to tell us that we stood for peace with the League of Nations in 1923 and with the UN from 1955 onwards and that we have remained unwavering in our 65 years of unbroken peacekeeping. It also celebrates the global Irish family of 70 million people and our cultural diversity.

The video goes on to talk about the EU project for peace in 1973, which has clearly changed, and so on. I wonder if this is a classic case of cognitive dissonance because this most wonderful video tells us what we stand for, that we can be very proud and we are a voice for peace in the world, yet the actions are diametrically opposed to that as this country, through our leaders, goes to Europe on a regular basis to try to be the best boys in the class.

I absolutely condemn the war. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. As has been said by other speakers, Ireland's credibility is at stake if we just do that and we ignore other wars, bullies and warmongers. Palestine is a case in point. I listened carefully last night to the many replies to Deputies from the Tánaiste with regard to Palestine. He said he stands firmly with the people of Palestine. The Government has failed to respond to the Amnesty report, which was published over a year ago. It has failed to do anything about the six human rights organisations designated as terrorist organisations. Then we have Sadaka, on behalf of the Palestinian people, telling us that the international community, including Ireland, pays constant lip service to a two-state solution, as defined under the 1993 Oslo Accords, yet has taken absolutely no steps to bring that about. The impunity granted to Israel is writing the obituary of the two-state solution. I want my leaders to stand up for peace in the world.

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