Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the very short time available, I will concentrate on the EU Council's response to the situation in the Middle East.

Before that, however, I will refer briefly to two other issues. First is the review of the MFF. This is a core matter for the EU and determines the moneys at our disposal to pursue our priorities. I see there are new proposals in that regard on own resources. While I know it is only the start of the negotiation, nonetheless I hope Ireland will be supportive of moves to reform and increase the MFF. I heard Deputy Ó Cathasaigh earlier refer to the absolute need to fund the European Green Deal biodiversity and nature restoration measures. I fully agree and I emphasise very clearly that those of us who questioned the Commission's proposals on the nature restoration plan had two main concerns: first, that it would be voluntary at farm level and, second, that it would be funded. If we revise the MFF, it certainly can go in that direction.

We must not neglect what is happening in Ukraine in light of the horrific situation in the Middle East. In that context I noted the invitation from Charles Michel to Heads of State to attend the Council meeting. He said: "Our responsibility is to remain united and coherent and to act in line with our values as enshrined in the Treaties." "Coherent" is a very important word in that our policy on the Middle East must be coherent with our policy on Ukraine and must be in line with EU values at this time, with the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the unfolding humanitarian crisis. It is worth listing those values. They are: human dignity; freedom; democracy; equality; rule of law; and human rights.

I have little time left, but perhaps the best way to spend it is to quote the wise, contextualised words of the Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres. He condemned the atrocities on all sides and put the situation in context when he said: "the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." He also stated: "Even war has rules. We must demand that all parties uphold and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law." Sometimes people say the UN is toothless and needs to be reformed. Maybe so, but yesterday it earned its stripes. Yesterday and today, António Guterres stood up and was counted.

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