Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, the Taoiseach spoke about the need for the International Criminal Court, ICC, to have a proper investigation into the alleged war crimes which we think are very clearly, openly and brazenly being committed by Israel in Gaza. I asked the Taoiseach about it earlier in Leaders' Questions. I suggested that the Government should use the power that it has under Article 14 of the Rome Statute to make a referral to the ICC so that an investigation will immediately take place. The Taoiseach suggested there is no need for that and that he will look into it. I have looked into it further and I will explain to the Taoiseach what the benefit of the State making an Article 14 referral is. I will do so in the words of the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney. He said the benefit of an Article 14 State Referral is that it enables the prosecutor to "immediately begin his investigation into alleged crimes currently unfolding there and will promote justice and accountability...". The former Minister for foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, was speaking after the Irish State made a referral under Article 14 of the Rome Statute on what is happening in terms of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Irish State did this recently so that there could be an immediate investigation. Will the Irish State and the Government do the same in terms of what Israel is doing in Gaza? Will the Irish State make a referral under Article 14 so that there can immediately be an investigation of the war crimes being committed?

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