Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

I thank the Taoiseach for the update on his attendance at the European Council. I attended the Party of European Socialists leaders' summit on the morning of the European Council in Brussels on 26 June. As the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, knows, there is a group leaders' summit in advance of Council meetings. We in the Labour Party are proud affiliates of the Party of European Socialists and, of course, our MEP in the Socialists and Democrats group is Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. I think I can say that it is good for Ireland that we now have an MEP in the S and D group in the European Parliament. It is the second largest group in the Parliament and, of course, it has a good deal of influence and impact on European decision-making. Others in attendance with me at that pre-summit meeting were obviously party leaders from socialist parties across Europe, including the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and some socialist Commissioners too, including Teresa Ribera, the Spanish Commissioner, with whom I engaged directly.

I want to address a number of issues the Taoiseach raised. First, I will speak about Ukraine. I am really glad to hear the Taoiseach's reaffirmation of our strong solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's brutal and illegal invasion and aggression. I am glad we are supporting the strong sanctions the EU is to take against Russia. Indeed, I hope we will see strengthened sanctions against Russia. I hope we will also see greater progress on EU accession. European Union membership for Ukraine is a vital component for the future of Ukraine.

I ask that the Minister of State bring back, particularly to the Tánaiste, the question as to why a Russian ship was moored off Killiney Bay over recent days. I know they have moved on, but it is a cause of serious alarm to see them come so close to our shore when Russia is facing such strong sanctions. I note that Government representatives have been asking this question too.

Second, on Gaza, clearly this is of the utmost and pressing importance at EU level and it is good to know it was discussed at Council, but it is hugely disappointing to see the lack of unity and lack of solidarity from the EU collectively with the people of Gaza as they endure Israel's appalling genocide. In Ireland, clearly, we have very strong views. Across this House, there are such strong views and there is such strong distress at the appalling and ongoing brutality that is being inflicted upon the people of Gaza, upon civilians and upon children. In advance of my journey to Brussels, the Tánaiste and I spoke about how Ireland could press collectively, from both Government and Opposition side, for stronger action on Gaza and stronger action against Israel at EU level. I am glad to say I did engage directly with socialist leaders from Spain and other countries about the need to go further and, in particular, the need to suspend the association agreement. Again, it is a matter of regret that did not come out as a strong call from the Council meeting. I hope at the next level of engagement we will see a decision taken to suspend immediately that association agreement with Israel. It is appalling that association agreement is still in place.

I also engaged on the need for other states to adopt Ireland's approach and bring in occupied territories legislation. I am conscious that we in opposition are pressing hard to ensure that the occupied territories Bill will include goods and services, crucially, but we also want to see similar legislation being brought forward in other member states, particularly states like Spain and Belgium, which have taken a strong stance in support of the people of Gaza. Spain, of course, has recognised the Palestinian state along with us. It is regrettable to see a block on stronger action against Israel from states like Hungary and again, I urge the Minister of State to please go further. Here at home, we need to see much stronger action, in particular on bringing children out of Gaza for humanitarian purposes. I listened earlier to the Taoiseach's response and it was unsatisfactory. I have met with Gazan families in my constituency. They are living in Merrion in the Sandymount area, and they are absolutely desperate because family members are being killed in Gaza while they await the visas and wait for the red tape to be cut through so they can bring over these desperately injured children and their siblings. I am appealing to the Minister of State again. I have spoken directly to the Ministers for health, justice and foreign affairs, but we need to do more on this.

On the matters raised relating to EU security and defence, it is welcome to see strong recognition of Ireland's military neutrality. We are strong believers in the triple lock but we also believe in investing in the Defence Forces. Neutrality is not a cheap option and we need to see our Defence Forces properly supported and sustained.

Regarding trade, I welcome the extension of the deadline for Trump's tariffs to 1 August. I agree on the point of zero-for-zero but, undoubtedly, there is immense uncertainty now for business across the country. I ask the Tánaiste to continue to provide briefings for Opposition leaders and spokespersons on progress made with tariff talks. It is extremely helpful for us to be kept informed of what is going on.

Finally, I express my deep concern at the growth of the far right across the European Union. We are seeing it take control in certain governments and having a strong impact on policies in different member states. I appeal to the Minister of State to use every lever in his power and that of the Government to hold off that threat of the far right-----

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