Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)

Rachaidh mé tríd na hábhair faoi mar a bhí siad i ráiteas an Taoisigh. In the first instance, I will say again that we abhor the Russian Federation's criminal invasion of Ukraine. It is a war of aggression that has caused untold human suffering. It is very clear from the events of recent weeks that Vladmir Putin has no interest in peace and that he is using opportunities of discussion to stall and delay, all the while trying to strengthen his own position and that of Russia. In such a context, it is important that international pressure come to bear on Russia. Ireland must use its voice at diplomatic levels and in terms of humanitarian support to advocate on behalf of Ukraine and against Russian aggression, and in support of sanctions where appropriate and necessary.

A number of Deputies across all sides of the House have reflected on the role of the EU in what is going on in the Middle East. It is an extraordinary situation. The EU's response to what is happening in the Middle East is undoubtedly one of the darkest chapters in its 50-odd year history. It is an absolute blot upon it. It has been trying for years to negotiate the EU-Israel association agreement clause 2, which makes it clear that human rights have to be complied with. There is no doubt that clause 2 has been broken thousands of times over the last number of years and yet the EU's pathetic response is to delay a decision for a further month. It is simply not good enough, and it reflects a profound lack of leadership, including from von der Leyen. It is right and appropriate that there are questions over her leadership at this point. She has shown no moral character in how she has responded to what is happening in Gaza, from the genocide and human suffering to the potential famine situation it is facing it and, indeed, with regard to the aid situation. Some 80% of people who have been killed in Gaza in recent weeks died while they were queuing for food and aid. Kaja Kallas has given cover in the past to the Israeli Government for the demonisation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, and given political cover for it being excluded from the distribution of aid. That was used quite deliberately and consciously by the Israeli Government and the US in bringing forward this Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, GHF, model, which is leading to chaos. It is not by any manner or means ensuring aid is being reached by people and it is leading to death because of the chaos that is involved.

The Taoiseach referenced the two-state solution conference, which is vital. I would also identify the ministerial conference in Bogotá next week, which is a conference in defence of international law. In the context of what is happening in the Middle East, it is vital that the Irish Government be represented there. Portugal will be there, and a number of other European countries are potentially going to be there. It is a crucially important conference, and I urge the Department to be in attendance.

We have seen headlines in the last couple of days with regard to tariffs, and yet more pronouncements by President Trump in relation to maybe 200% on pharmaceuticals. It is impossible to know where that situation will end up. It is impossible to know what President Trump will say next. What is clear, however, is that the direction of travel is towards tariffs. It is potentially towards at least a base tariff across the board for EU countries. From an Irish point of view, that leads to a number of questions. I believe Ireland has been left uniquely vulnerable by the policies of recent Governments and by their failure to invest in infrastructure, their over-reliance on tax incentives and their failure to diversify on who Irish businesses are doing business with. That needs to be addressed.

In our view, what are the priorities? The first has to be dealing with the issue of tariff distortions. We are potentially in a very particular situation because of the North-South economy. That needs to be a priority for the Irish Government. We need to use our voice at European level in defence of key Irish sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences but also some of the areas that would be most quickly affected, such as food and drink like whiskey and dairy products. They need to be right at the heart of the approach, as does preparation for supports. We have heard very little from the Government about what it is going to do to support businesses on the ground if this comes to pass.

Finally, infrastructure is one of the key things businesses up and down the country are highlighting with regard to the fact that the opportunity was not taken. Our infrastructure is too poor in terms of energy, transport, healthcare and housing, and that is one of the key reasons we are uniquely vulnerable. The Government needs to address that, whatever the outcome from negotiations on President Trump's plans.

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