Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy. What is happening in Gaza is reprehensible and shocking. A concern the Government and I have is that because attention is now focused on Israel's war with Iran, it is off Gaza. We cannot allow that to happen. In fairness, no government in Europe has done more than the Irish Government in seeking to advance the protection and cause of the Palestinian people in Gaza. We must recognise that the way we put pressure on Israel is not simply through small pieces of legislation but by trying to bring about a co-ordinated European response, particularly in respect of the EU-Israel trade agreement. We gave a response previously on the proposed legislation. The Government opposed it and voted against it. It would not have been workable. That position has not changed.

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