Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for raising a variety of issues. First, Deputy Boyd Barrett and I do not agree on a lot on foreign affairs, but I have said in this House recently and in the European Council, as well saying it publicly at the peace summit on Ukraine, that I do believe there is an inconsistency in the approach being taken by many countries in relation to conflict, and not this one. I said before that I do not like this country being described as being pro this or pro that. We are pro international law and pro human rights. This is the lens we bring to all conflicts. We think, therefore, that what is happening in the Middle East is utterly horrific and is in a space that is almost unimaginable in terms of humanitarian catastrophe. We think that the position in terms of Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine is also a despicable act of brutality. We can speak out against both. I do find it unfortunate that not all countries do that. Ireland and our Ministers continue to advocate in every international forum, with every leader and with every counterpart with whom we engage, for an end to conflict and violence. We are extraordinarily consistent in relation to that.

It is not for me to speak to other countries' foreign policies, but the European Union is a collection of member states with independent foreign policies, foreign affairs ministers, governments and the likes. While people like to personalise this issue around President von der Leyen, the reality of the situation is that if enough member states of the European Union, those people who sit around the Council table with me, were willing to back the call from Ireland and Spain, and also, Belgium, somewhat, in relation to the review of the trade agreement, it would happen. I think the position of President von der Leyen has been misrepresented intentionally time and time again. Yes, in the early days after the most horrific terrorist attack, which is what it was, by the way, on the Israeli people in October, a horrific terrorist attack that saw the butchering and death of that country's people and heinous crimes, President von der Leyen visited Israel and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel. Israel has moved well beyond simply defending itself and to a position that is utterly unacceptable to us and I think to people right throughout the civilised world. She has supported UNRWA in terms of extra funding.

I hear the Chair ringing the bell. Everybody asks me questions and then he rings the bell and I have not even been able to answer the questions. I know this is not the fault of the Chair.

President von der Leyen wants an immediate cease fire. We believe in a two-state solution. This is now the unanimous view of the European Union.

Perhaps we can exchange views on how to beat the far right in the future. Fundamentally, however, I would be very interested to know the position of the left in this country as to what it would do with Sinn Féin in any such alliance.

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