Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

The genocide in Gaza is, without a doubt, the issue I am contacted most about by people from Cork. I am frustrated by the lack of action we have seen and that I have nothing of substance to say to the people who contact me. I cannot answer their questions as to why the Government has not passed the occupied territories Bill or why it is allegedly allowing the use of Shannon and Irish airspace to facilitate the transport of weapons. The Government has the power to act on these issues and I urge it to use that power.

I offer my support to those on board the flotilla, including the 22 Irish citizens, which include two of our colleagues in Leinster House and the Cork citizens Tadhg Hickey and Donna Schwarz. I will echo what my colleague, Deputy Gibney, said yesterday that in the face of the intimidation tactics Israel has been using, we need to be ready to step up to provide whatever financial and logistical support we can to protect those on board.

I also want to mention the proposed plan. While I welcome the hope of peace, we have to look at what is being proposed. The reality of this deal is that Trump has presented us with a dangerous ultimatum, threatening devastating consequences should it not be accepted, Netanyahu has refused to accept even the concept of a Palestinian State and the people of Gaza have had no voice in the proceedings. Is this really how we end a genocide? Of course, we must always push for peace and diplomacy but we have to reflect on the reality of the situation and what it will mean for the people of Gaza, who have already been through such horrors.

In conclusion, I once again urge the Government to pass the occupied territories Bill, to end the use of Shannon by the US military, to apply the maximum pressure on the international stage and to protect those on board the flotilla. This is a defining moment. The Irish people have been clear. This genocide must end and the Government must act.

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