Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Why are Irish people welcome all over the world? It is because we are not a threat. In the world cup, why do people say "Ireland standing tall"? It is because we are not a threat. I do not like what is happening in Gaza. It is absolutely disgraceful. The same thing happened in Ukraine. Ireland is seen as a protector but also seen as neutral. This is why we are welcome everywhere.

Given the language being used by the Government, I ask the Minister of State to not make us a threat. In doing so, the Government would put every Irish person in this country at risk. We have no weaponry and we have no way of protecting ourselves from other countries if they decided to target us. I put it to the Minister of State that the Government must be very careful on how it words things. It must make sure we are seen as protectors and not as an enemy to anyone.

See this speech in context