Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I wish to acknowledge the announcement of my friends and colleagues, Deputies Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall, that they will not be contesting the next general election. Catherine and Róisín are trailblazers in Irish politics who have accomplished an incredible amount in careers that span decades of committed political work and dedicated public service, not least of which was setting up the Social Democrats and helping to grow the party to where it is today, with six TDs and 35 councillors. They are stepping back from front-line politics but they leave behind a legacy - a party with strong roots, huge potential and enormous promise. On a personal level, it is hard to articulate the impact they have had on me. I would not be standing here today if it were not for them. I thank them for their support. On behalf of the party, I thank them for all of their hard work and congratulate them on their incredible careers.

What we are witnessing in Gaza is beyond horror. It is the stuff of unrelenting nightmares. For nine months, the Israeli army has bombed, maimed and tortured a starved and captive population. Its aim is not self-defence; it is annihilation. According to a report from Save the Children, more than 14,000 children in Gaza have been killed and 21,000 children are missing. The report said children are also among those found in mass graves recently, with many showing signs of torture. This is the reality of the Israeli Government's barbarity and cruelty. Gaza is now a graveyard for children and, still, the slaughter continues in the full glare of the media spotlight. The publicity does not make a difference. Most western governments have lost interest in even pretending to care. It seems that all you need to do to get away with genocide is continue the relentless killing until the genocide becomes normalised.

The Government has talked tough on this issue but what has it really done to apply meaningful pressure on Israel to stop this massacre? Trade with Israel is continuing. The Israeli ambassador is still in situ and travel visas for those committing atrocities in the occupied territories are still facilitated. The genocide continues but it is business as usual with the Israeli Government. The Office of the Taoiseach sent me a brief note explaining why the Government refuses to enact the occupied territories Bill. It says the Government has disavowed the Bill for "legal, political and practical reasons". While I and many others do not agree with the legal reasons, I find it troubling and offensive that political and practical reasons are cited as a stumbling block to action. We are talking about 100,000 people who have been either killed, injured or are missing, yet the Government is too concerned with politics and practicalities to take action, outside of the welcome recognition of the State of Palestine.

I have asked the following questions a lot of times and I will keep doing so until we see action from the Government. What is the Government going to do to apply meaningful pressure on Israel? Why will it not take unilateral action like enacting the occupied territories Bill? Can the Taoiseach tell me when the updated legal advice on the occupied territories Bill was received? A lot of people believe the legal advice should change in light of the ongoing genocide.

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