Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reject the dark image of Europe mentioned earlier. Consider what Europe has done collectively by agreeing to pool sovereignty. A decision was made by the Irish nation to pool its sovereignty with that of other European countries. We have done amazing things in Europe. We have increased our living standard since after the Second World War, when the entire Continent was lying in poverty and dishevelled. We have introduced incredible social protections right across the Continent and have done amazing things together. We are facing an environmental challenge that faces all of mankind. I am a very proud European.

On this day, many of my colleagues speak very positively about Europe. I want to do that today but, unfortunately, we are again marking Europe Day when the aggression of Russia in Ukraine continues. Europe has responded very strongly on this. This reminds us that the European Union is, at its very heart, a peace process involving European countries. Therefore, war on the Continent is something we should be incredibly conscious of, and we should make every effort to alleviate its impacts and, where possible, bring about a peaceful conclusion.

I am incredibly disappointed that the unity of the EU on Ukraine has not been matched by unity on what is happening in the Middle East. Rather than disappointing, it is shameful that Europe has not acted more collectively on what is happening in Gaza. What happened on 7 October 2023 was despicable. It cannot be repeated enough how unjustified the actions of Hamas were, but the actions that have followed have been incredibly disproportionate. The Taoiseach referred yesterday to the fact that there is intentional starvation of a people by a government. Ireland is a country that has famine in its very DNA and we remember what famine was about. That such circumstances can be brought about by any government is absolutely despicable. I agree with the Taoiseach’s comment that what is happening is clearly a war crime, not because we say so but because international law states it. I want more than anything to have a two-state solution and a peaceful existence for both Palestinians and Israelis. I want the conflict to come to an end but there is no solution in how the people of Palestine are being treated. I welcome the Irish Government’s step today regarding our grave concern over the total annexation, which, again, is another compounding of a failed policy by Israel in Gaza. We need to get to a peaceful solution. We need to stop the starvation of people, including innocent children, on this planet. I welcome the Irish Government’s steps and wish our European colleagues would do more.

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