Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)

If the headline stated that 14,000 Irish, British or American babies would starve to death without aid in the next 48 hours, would we stay completely silent? If the answer is "No", ask yourself why and speak up now. We are witnessing a genocide being livestreamed on our handheld devices. Every day, people across the world are seeing images and videos of innocent civilians and children being slaughtered. There is no grey area. No one can deny the pure and simple fact: Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. Israel has committed multiple war crimes. Israel has a terrorist government led by a war criminal.

I welcome and support the actions taken thus far by the Irish Government to call out this murderous Israeli campaign for what it is. I welcome the lobbying the Government has done in the European Union on behalf of the Palestinian cause. I welcome the fact that the Government has continued these efforts in the face of the EU's refusal to recognise what is happening right before our eyes. This week, 17 member states called for a review of the co-operation deal with the State of Israel. This is, of course, welcome but I cannot help but feel embarrassed at how long it has taken to get to this point. How many innocent children have been murdered to get to this point? It feels like some sort of a sick joke to reconsider the EU co-operation deal with Israel.

The Government must act. We must enact the occupied territories Bill, for the love of God. The Government supported every Stage of the passage of this Bill. It should enact it. The Irish people want it. Dáil Éireann wants it. The world needs to see it. The people of Palestine need it desperately. The Taoiseach often says in this Chamber that we are an outlier in Europe and the rest of the world with the actions we have taken. The fact that this Chamber may be the only assembly in the world that is saying Ireland is not doing enough should be taken on board. The country that the world views as having the most solidarity with the Palestinian cause is calling on the Government loud and clear to do more. As a father himself, I do not doubt the Tánaiste's personal bona fides on this. It is positive to hear that he will bring an updated memo to Cabinet next week on the occupied territories Bill. However, I am fearful of this Government's response, not the Tánaiste's personal one. I remain hopeful. Dáil Éireann wants it. The people of Ireland want it. We have been on the side of peace and justice on this issue for a long time. We can do more. I am begging the Tánaiste to do more.

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