Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I will divide my time between some comments and questions. I thank the Office of the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating this debate. It is vitally important that we address this issue today on behalf of our colleagues, the Irish citizens and the citizens of the world. For the past number of years, people have monitored and looked at the situation in Gaza in revulsion, fear and disgust. There is a genocide ongoing before our eyes. It is a war on civilians and children like we have not seen in our lifetimes. For a brief period yesterday and previous days, however, people looked towards Gaza, and more particularly to the flotilla, with a degree of hope. They hoped the flotilla might reach its destination and be able to deliver its cargo. What we must bear in mind and not lose sight of is that the flotilla’s cargo was aid, such as baby food, food and medical aid, for a starving, beleaguered population.

The flotilla also represented hope for what it said about humanity. Those on the flotilla gave inspiration to people. In many respects, the people on the flotilla represent the very best of us. Facing nigh-on insurmountable odds, they are standing up for the voiceless where the international community and institutions have failed so profoundly.

Unfortunately, between last night and the early hours of the morning, the flotilla was intercepted illegally in international waters by the Israelis. This includes Irish citizens, including our colleague, Senator Chris Andrews. Reports have emerged of a water cannon being used against small crafts and ships being rammed by the Israelis. Given the horrors they have been responsible for, unfortunately, that would be little surprise.

Léirigh na daoine ar an flotilla cuid mhaith crógachta agus thug siad inspioráid do dhaoine ar fud an domhain ag cur i gcoinne an tslada agus an chinedhíothaithe in iarracht stop a chur leis an mbac ar chúnamh, bia agus ábhair shláinte. Tá muid ag impí go dtabharfar cúnamh dóibh láithreach.

Along with some colleagues, I met family members and loved ones of those on the flotilla on Tuesday. They were anxious. I spoke to Senator Chris Andrews as well. Of course, he was worried. You would have to be mad not to be, I imagine. While they were justifiably very worried, they were also full of pride. They were full of respect for the wishes of the people on the flotilla and their objective in taking part in this. Their feelings mirror the determination of those on the flotilla. They would not be deterred because they understood, as did those on the flotilla, that they did this because of what was happening in Gaza on a daily basis while an international community watches it happen. It is a genocide, the most profound crime in humanity.

It is barbarism of the highest order happening in front of our eyes and the international community is doing practically nothing. Their objective was to break the blockade and to break through. It is a noble and high-minded ideal. I salute those Irish people and citizens of the world who stepped in where states and institutions have failed so profoundly. Unfortunately, the slaughter goes on; approximately 73 were killed yesterday alone in Gaza. The Tánaiste and the Government have a responsibility to act, both for our people on the flotilla and for the people of Palestine.

My leader, Deputy McDonald, and I have been in close contact with the Department in recent hours. I appreciate the work of the Department's staff. The Tánaiste gave a bit of an account of what has been confirmed. It seems from what he says that not all Irish citizens have been accounted for. Could he confirm whether the Department has sight of the whereabouts of the 22 Irish citizens – if that is the correct number? Could he give an update on the current health and welfare of those citizens? Do we know if they are safe and well?

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