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

I commend the life of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, the voice of the GAA and, at times with a touch of magic, the voice of Ireland. I also recognise the contribution to journalism of Tommie Gorman, particularly at what was a very difficult and important time for Ireland as regards the peace process. I had a great conversation with him one day on the basis of shared Sligo connections. I want to remember both men. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

When we speak about Palestine and Israel we only need to switch on the news and we can see there have been two air strikes in Gaza city on two Palestinian schools. This is the reality that Palestinians deal with. In Ireland, we have been on the right side of the argument. We all welcome the recognition of the State of Palestine, but we need to follow up on this. We need to see sanctions and divestment.

It does not matter to me whether that is by means of Sinn Féin's legislation or some other way. We need to make sure it happens with all agencies, colleges and organisations with which there are any connections.

On the Government's engagement with Arab and European partners, how can we progress matters? That is about calling out and putting pressure on Israel and about putting pressure on those who are still arming and equipping Israel as it massacres the Palestinians. We still fear what lies ahead. We need to be part of positive action, and there needs to be action. We need to impose sanctions and see what we can do with our partners to do more. That is what the world needs us to do.

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