Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I certainly acknowledge that Ireland's response to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza has been strong - stronger than that of many other European countries - but it is still not strong enough. It was important that the Dáil and the Government called for a ceasefire and that the Taoiseach and his Government colleagues defended UNRWA when other countries were not doing so, and we acknowledge that from the Opposition. I am glad to hear the Taoiseach spoke yesterday with the President of the EU Commission on the EU-Israel trade agreement, but we need to do more. The Taoiseach has spoken previously in the House on working with like-minded EU member states on seeking to press further at EU level. What actions are ongoing? With which EU member states is the Government working? We understand Belgium may be one.

Now is the time for us to see further action being taken. The Taoiseach stated that Israel is not listening, but it will have to listen if enough countries in the West which currently support it withdraw their support. I am thinking in particular of the US and EU countries, with which Ireland has influence. It is possible for the Taoiseach and the Government to use their influence to a higher and stronger degree as otherwise, we are all complicit in sitting and watching an Armageddon unfold and children such as young Hind Rajab continuing to suffer and die under our watch and that of the world. We need to go further. There are actions we could take here at home, such as passing the occupied territories Bill, and there are actions the Government can take at EU level.

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