Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

There are a couple of things there. First, the Deputy is right; quite a few like-minded countries may well consider looking at what we have done here and introducing their own domestic legislation. What I was trying to say in response to the last question is that we are in contact with quite a number of European countries that are inquiring as to our legislation, and I hope others will join us in publishing their own domestic legislation. We would all rather act at an EU level, although we know that has not made the progress we collectively would want it to make. In the meantime, member states can consider what domestic remedies are available to them through their own legislation. It is a narrow path, but we believe the ICJ advisory opinion provides a path as well.

The big priority right now has to be a ceasefire. The Deputy is right in saying the humanitarian aid is beyond urgent and the release of the hostages is beyond urgent too. I believe some progress is being made in the ceasefire talks. I met the Qatari Prime Minister on this last week. However, those talks need to deliver a resolution. In relation to the European position, Kaja Kallas and the likes, of course the European Union has significantly increased its contribution to UNRWA at a time when other parts of the world have walked away.

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