Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and what we are seeing does not seem to be in line with that. We have provided additional funding to the international court. We will provide €1.3 million annually and €3 million in additional funding for this year to make sure those who are potentially responsible for any crimes are held accountable. The most important thing now, however, is that the ceasefire we have called for happens, that the pause, which we were all very happy to see, continues, and that the release of hostages continues. We are all overjoyed that Emily Hand, an Irish citizen, was released and that many other citizens were released, but it is so important that not only are those citizens released, but that there is continued aid, resources, food and fuel sent to the millions of people in Gaza who need our support and who need help. We have been united and clear in that message all along. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and the vast majority of people in this House have been clear in our support for those citizens. We have been clear in our support and our calling for a ceasefire and that will not change.

The Taoiseach has engaged extensively with his colleagues. The Tánaiste has engaged extensively with his colleagues, not just for the release of hostages and to ensure that humanitarian aid is provided on the ground but to make sure we have a ceasefire so we can all collectively work towards a solution. As a country and a Government, we have always said that solution is a two-state solution. That has not changed. I know for many it seems like an impossibility at this time, but the time will come when this discussion can be had and where it should be had. It is so important we are part of that. Our voice will remain strong on the world stage and the European stage. I have no doubt our Taoiseach, our Tánaiste and all of us, as we engage with our colleagues at a European level and beyond, will continue to call for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the immediate aid that is needed by millions of people, and for this fighting to come to an end.

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