Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Objectively, the Government, the Oireachtas and the country have, to use the Deputy’s words, been firm and clear on this issue. In many ways, Ireland’s position is becoming the position of more countries. There is a growing coalition of countries calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. When other countries chose to abstain at the UN, Ireland did not. It is fair to say that Ireland has had a clear and consistent position, one that has been articulated by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Government and many in opposition.

The most practical thing we can do – I am not playing politics with this and do not mean this dismissively – is, rather than pass more motions in this House, to have our Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tánaiste to go tonight to the region, including Egypt, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, to advocate for our citizens and to advocate for peace. We do not intend to cancel or call off diplomatic relations with Israel because we believe that would mean cutting off communication channels. However, we do intend to ensure people are held accountable for their actions, to support the work of the International Criminal Court, to add money to it and continue our advocacy for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the safe return of Irish citizens.

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