Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

What we are doing is using the diplomatic resources that are available to us and our political leadership to make a difference, in practical and political terms, to the people of Gaza and to the horror that is unfolding to them and which has gone on for too long, in calling for a ceasefire, in making the case for a review of the trading relationship with Israel within the European Union, in the work the Taoiseach did in the European Council last week and in the work the Tánaiste has done in all of the Foreign Affairs Councils he has attended. That is what we are doing - by action.

The Deputy made reference to the need for higher standards. There are standards that matter here. There are standards that matter in terms of only giving commitments to things that we know we can legally do and that can have a practical effect. That is what the Government is doing. Our actions are recognised by those who lead the people of Palestine and their allies. Regardless of that, what we will do is continue with the patient political work that is needed to make a difference with regard to a ceasefire and to support the people of Gaza in their hour of greatest need.

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