Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)

I want to return to the attacks on the global summit flotilla that occurred last night. This was actually the second attack on this flotilla. It includes more than 20 Irish 20 citizens, including my colleague, Senator Chris Andrews, who told me this morning that his boat was attacked four times last night. Those attacks are a wilful intimidation and an act of aggression against a humanitarian mission. This was a direct assault on boats carrying baby food and rice, aid that can and should reach those who are in absolutely desperate need in Gaza. Palestinians do not need another statement. Statements will not end this genocide, just as concerns and observations will not ensure the safety of those on the flotilla. We need to see meaningful action to protect those Irish citizens.

My question to the Minister is: what action does the Government intend to take today to protect the Irish citizens on that flotilla?

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