Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for his comments. We all agree that the Government has certainly not been silent when it comes to this brutal conflict in Gaza nor have we been inactive. We have to back our words of condemnation with proactive approaches, building alliances within the EU and the UN as well as putting our money where our mouth is by backing the actions of the ICJ and UNWRA. More importantly, we will not sit out this issue. I know some people in this House and outside this House say that there should be some sort of boycott or that we should stay away. If we are not in the room, we cannot have that conversation. The Deputy knows this and he has expressed this. That is why Ireland must be in the room and why we must play that proactive role, not just fuelled by the experience that the Deputy outlined of our own island and how we built peace, but also our consistent work in this region, often being a lone voice in this region.

In recent months, Ireland has consistently advocated for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, for sustained humanitarian access and for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. A temporary or short-term ceasefire is not good enough. A ceasefire on its own is not good enough. We need a lasting peace and Ireland very much wants to be part of that discussion about how we create a lasting peace and ensure there is a two-state solution.

We want to maintain our relationship with our allies. We want to be honest with our allies, but we want to make sure that our voice is constantly heard. That is why we will take that message. I again reassure the Deputy that every point he has made this evening will be repeated by Ministers in every single engagement as part of their St. Patrick's Day programme. I have no doubt that in due course there will be an opportunity to report back to this House about how those discussions went.

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