Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, I acknowledge the Deputy's acknowledgement of President von der Leyen's role in Brexit. It should not be understated. I believe the Deputy's party was very supportive of President von der Leyen at the time in respect of the role of the Commission with regard to Brexit and its impact on Ireland, and, indeed, on Northern Ireland in particular and all of the issues relating to the Good Friday Agreement. I also make the point that, in terms of the realpolitik of Europe, the far right is complaining as well about what is emerging from the EU Council. President von der Leyen is seen, across the board, as a very competent president, and has been for four years. I think President von der Leyen got it wrong in respect of Gaza but Europe is divided on Gaza. The European Union has different perspectives. What has happened since the beginning of the war is that people's positions have changed. People's positions have moved for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in line with Ireland's priorities. We have used our persuasion and advocacy for Palestine very effectively at the European Union. We have not been stymied in that advocacy for the Palestinian cause and that has resulted in the recognition of Palestine by a number of EU states, such as Slovenia, Ireland and Spain.

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