Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Israel's military attacks on Gaza continue unabated. It is truly shocking to see what is happening there and to witness the level of civilian casualties. Some 25,000 Palestinians have been killed to date. As we know, the European Council was unable to include a meaningful reference to this major international conflict in its final communiqué, which is very disappointing, to say the least. It must be said that the EU has not covered itself in glory when it comes to this issue.

What we need now more than ever is an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. I am glad that Ireland, along with Belgium, Spain and Malta, pressed for this in advance of the summit. Of course, we were one of the first countries in the EU to call for a humanitarian ceasefire and more and more countries have since come on board, as we have seen from the proceedings of the UN General Assembly. We also need to put in place effective humanitarian access and ensure everything possible is done to protect civilians.

It is important that Israel and Hamas are made accountable for breaches of international humanitarian law. In this regard, I welcome the ongoing investigation by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court into these horrific events. I also welcome the decision made by South Africa to take a case against Israel under the genocide convention at the International Court of Justice. I am aware of the calls for Ireland to join the action in question at this early stage. This is a complex legal matter. I understand that only South Africa and Israel are involved in the proceedings so far. I accept the Tánaiste's considered view that now is not the right time for other states to intervene. In the coming weeks, the court is due to deliberate on what preliminary measures should be taken in respect of this matter. Undoubtedly, this undertaking will be carefully analysed by Ireland and other states to see how we should proceed.

Ireland has also shown real leadership within the EU regarding the need to impose sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank. Even before the events of 7 October last year, the prospects for a two-state solution were receding by the day as a result of displacement and resettlement by Israelis. I reject outright recent comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that this war will continue until victory is achieved and there can be no Palestinian sovereignty in any post-war Gaza deal. This is totally unacceptable and the EU, the US, the Arab states and the international community generally must make it clear to the Israeli Prime Minister, in no uncertain terms, that they reject this view and will work towards a long-term peace plan.

Everything possible must be done to avoid a wider conflict in the region. We have seen attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, on ships in the Red Sea.

There is also the potential for Lebanon, where Irish UN peacekeeping troops are based, to be drawn into the conflict. Now is the time for effective international diplomacy to prevent such an escalation. I have no doubt that Ireland will be to the forefront in this regard.

I understand that agreement in principle has been reached on the EU sending a naval mission to the Red Sea with a view to keeping trade links open. Is it the case that Ireland supports this move but will not be taking part in the mission? Any clarification the Minister of State could give in this regard would be appreciated.

On Ukraine, Russia's aggression is relentless and civilian casualties are the consequence. Unfortunately, the counteroffensive by Ukraine has stalled and the war is as protracted as ever. The European Council gave Ukraine a morale boost by agreeing to the opening of accession talks. We can be thankful that the bold child of Europe, the Hungarian prime minister, left the room and did not veto this decision, although he did veto a proposed aid package to Ukraine as part of an overall EU budget package. I refer to the Ukraine facility in the context of the multi-annual financial framework. At the same time, the US has not been able to finalise an arms support package for Ukraine due to the opposition of Republicans in the US Congress. There is now talk of the EU 26 providing this financial aid package to Ukraine on a bilateral or multilateral basis. I hope that this matter can be resolved at the next meeting of the European Council, which is to be held in February.

It is clear that migration is now a major issue here in Ireland and globally. I refer more particularly to the position as regards asylum seekers in need of international protection. It seems that no country, including Ireland, can effectively deal with this matter in isolation in our globalised and interdependent world. In 2005, Ireland opted in to the EU asylum procedures directive with regard to the procedures for granting refugee status with a view to achieving a common European asylum system. Last month, agreement was reached between the European Parliament and the European Council on the much-debated EU pact on asylum and migration. This will involve the implementation by member states of a number of measures in the coming years. So far, Ireland has opted in to the European Union asylum directive in this context.

Most sensible people in the country fully understand the benefits of migration but we certainly need an informed and respectful debate about the processes that are in place for dealing with applications for international protection. Linked to this are concerns about the accommodation of international protection applicants. Acquiring more commercial hotels for this purpose is not the way to go. The State should be developing its own sites to provide this accommodation as a matter of urgency. People have legitimate questions that deserve answers. There is an information deficit on this subject and the Government has to take responsibility for this. Let us have the debate and we will then have to decide whether Ireland is to opt in to the various measures proposed in the EU pact on asylum and migration. It is very important that the Dáil be kept fully informed of Government thinking on these various measures in the coming months.

I wish to mark the passing of the former President of the European Commission who died in September. Jacques Delors was a visionary who passionately believed in the European project. For him, the EU was more than an economic free trade area. He worked tirelessly towards achieving a political union in a more unified Europe. His legacy can serve as an inspiration to the European leaders of today.

Brexit continues to work its way through our political and economic systems. We have had the withdrawal agreement, the trade and co-operation agreement and, more recently, the Windsor Framework. We continue to hope that the DUP in the North will come to terms with that framework and reconsider entering Stormont as soon as possible. Irish exporters, especially those exporting agrifood products, need to be fully aware of the new rules coming into force in the UK on 31 January and the Government needs to be proactive in disseminating information on that issue over the coming weeks.

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