Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I acknowledge, on one hand, that Deputy Boyd Barrett welcomed, albeit he said we did it belatedly, our recognition of the State of Palestine, I do not believe that anyone sees it as hollow symbolism. I accept the point and the debate about the need to do more and the questions as to what comes next and how we can continue to apply maximum pressure. These parliamentary questions relate to engagement with the ambassador. From speaking to the ambassador, the President of the Palestinian Authority and many leaders in the region, including presidents, kings and prime ministers, I do not think anyone sees it as hollow symbolism. Israel does not see it as that either. It was a significant step that Ireland, Norway and Spain took, and certainly one that goes beyond symbolism.

I have clearly said that the world, Ireland and the European Union, of which we are a part, need to do more. That is why we are looking for a review of the trade agreement between Israel and the European Union - the association agreement. It has been a consistent policy of the Government of Ireland since March that this should be reviewed. I made the point again last week at the European Council and I will make it again on Thursday and Friday next at the European Council. For people looking in at home and those watching the scenes of horror relating to the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, I do not want anyone to think that the Government believes that we have done our bit by recognising the State of Palestine. We need to continue to work multilaterally to apply the maximum amount of pressure to bring about the conditions required for a ceasefire. There is a ceasefire plan now and it needs to be followed. There is an opportunity to stop the violence right now with that ceasefire plan. No plan is perfect, but the importance of it is that it would stop the violence, the killing and the brutality, get the aid in and the hostages home and provide space for the political dialogue that is always required to bring about peaceful settlement. We know on this island that ultimately the way peace is achieved is through the ending of violence and through dialogue and settlement.

I was not aware of the specific issue of the Tyndall National Institute and UCC. That is the honest truth of the matter. I will look into it. Universities have been actively considering these matters. We have seen it happen on a number of university campuses, led by students. I have never felt it is my role to direct university research, because of academic freedom and such, but I know universities reflect on it seriously for the reasons Deputy Barry raised and due to the views of their students and staff who have clear views on this issue.

I assure Deputy Ó Murchú - I do not wish to repeat myself - that we continue to look with partners into what more we can do to help to bring about an immediate ceasefire. We have taken a number of actions, some of which the Deputy welcomed, including divestment. His view is that we need to do more. I will take a look at the specific Sinn Féin proposals and come back to him in writing on where they may or may not work.

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