Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the sentiments expressed. The concept I am trying to introduce is that there are consequences to our actions. I am not sure that has been factored into the debate over the past number of weeks. We should always be mindful of the second and third order effects. We do not want to compromise our other vital operations in the Middle East. I know South Africa has no troops in the Middle East. It has withdrawn its embassy. It is not dependent on the Israeli state for host nation support. The last thing we want to do is take measures that would adversely impact on our people out there. There are times when we should accept the consequences of our actions and additional risk, but that should be for material and positive effect on the ground. We should not be accepting additional risk unnecessarily for political expediency or for optics. I would be grateful for the Tánaiste's thoughts.

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