Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

There has been a lack of movement on the ongoing genocide by Israel in Gaza. We need to push Israel more and we need to see action finally happen. Something we could do here today would be to "let them play". Everyone has heard those words in the context of GAA Palestine and the idea I think everyone is taken with of 47 children from the West Bank coming here, from the desperate lives they have due to the ongoing situation there, and being allowed to play hurling. Earlier, the Taoiseach said there was no appeal lodged. I spoke earlier to Stephen Redmond of GAA Palestine. An appeal was lodged with the Department of justice at 1.15 p.m. GAA Palestine is saying that if those visas could be printed and in Tel Aviv for 1 o'clock or 2 o'clock tomorrow, it will be possible to deliver. If they are delivered later, there will be an issue with moving through, given the issue of violence by settlers. That is the reality these children are dealing with. This is something the Taoiseach or the Minister for justice can deliver on. I accept that other things take a lot more effort and take a long time. This could be absolutely beautiful but it could also be another failure with regard to the Palestinian people and these particular children.

See this speech in context