Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It looks like we cannot get any sort of deal on asking for a ceasefire at European level, so what can we get? I assume we can get nothing next nor near to the absolutely necessary sanctions that were introduced due to the war on Ukraine. If we cannot do it at that level, what can we do among the countries that are more supportive on this? What actions have we taken? What conversations have we had about the EU-Israel Association Agreement and those humanitarian conditions? If we are talking very specifically about the support, we are now getting soundings from the Government that at some point there will be support for joining South Africa's case against Israel. We have to address the point that has been requested across the board by Opposition parties, by some within the Government parties and by the likes of Trócaire, namely, the Government should give voice to its support at this stage.

Beyond that, given we think there is genocidal slaughter happening, I think of the other request and where it is. I refer to the conversation in Government circles about urgently conducting a detailed assessment of whether there is a risk that genocide is happening or will happen in Gaza. We can all give our answer on that, but where is the Government on the issue? We all know the legislation we can operate. We can recognise the state of Palestine. We can do things in conjunction with others. If they are not willing, we will have to take first steps because this is not good enough in any way, shape or form.

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