Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Tánaiste about the important and constructive role that Josep Borrell has played since the aggression against Gaza began. However, Ursula von der Leyen has seriously damaged the credibility of the European Union globally through partisan interventions in support of Israel during the onslaught in Gaza. She offered Benjamin Netanyahu unconditional and unqualified support at what was a pivotal and escalating point in Israel's onslaught against the civilian population in Gaza. The President of the European Commission provided political cover for what has become the genocidal destruction that has unfolded before our eyes.

As a neutral state with an independent foreign policy, Ireland can demand adherence to international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, and I have commended the Government on its consistency in that regard. The current President of the European Commission has not shown the same consistency and, in failing to do so, has damaged the potential of the European Union to play a constructive role in this region. Does the Tánaiste agree it is time for a change so we can rebalance that position?

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