Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We know the steps that must be followed to initiate a case in the Hague to establish jurisdiction and the grounds for dispute. The Tánaiste has seen the endless footage of Israel's atrocities in Gaza. He has heard reams of heart-wrenching testimony from doctors and international aid workers on the ground. In the midst of undeniable genocidal actions, these steps should be urgently engaged by the Government. If the case for making a referral to the ICJ against Russia was strong, then the case for making one in respect of Israeli aggression is absolutely beyond dispute.

South Africa has shown what it means to lead. It has demonstrated what it means to stand for humanity against genocide and it is disgraceful the Government would still equivocate and still hedge its bets. The Tánaiste fails in his motion to make absolutely clear that Ireland will support South Africa's case in the Hague and I think that a very great shame. Let us be clear there is nothing stopping the Tánaiste bringing that type of clarity to the Dáil today and if he did or if he does, he will have the full support of this House. The truth is the Tánaiste says he will consider joining South Africa's case after the preliminary stages. He says that as if the people of Gaza have all the time in the world, as if the abyss of genocide is not a reality every day for the men, women and children of Gaza as we speak. Gaza has become a graveyard for children, for families, for people clinging to life and clinging to their very existence. If this is not enough for the Government to stand up and take a case against Israel and join South Africa in the International Court of Justice, then what will it take? When will it be? The people of Gaza are running out of time and Ireland needs to act and be clear now.

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