Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

A serious piece of work has to be done to reassure the agricultural sector and farmers of Ireland, particularly in relation to issues that can detrimentally impact the future of farming in Ireland. We want to see maintenance of the nitrates delegation. There is absolute fear in respect of what the impact of Mercosur will be. There is deep annoyance, as we heard it yesterday, at the Government's position on that. I would like to see commentary that would actually settle people's minds in respect of the Government having their back.

Deputy Ó Laoghaire spoke about the European Union and its power and leverage and how it could play a decent role in this world. He also spoke about Sudan and the fact that weapons still flow. We are looking at an absolute calamity and chaos. We need the EU to act.

Huge solidarity has been shown to Ukraine, and rightly so. I also condemn the attacks in Ternopil in Ukraine and the 25 deaths. Unfortunately, this is nothing shocking from the corrupt regime in operation in Russia. We need to see that that solidarity continues, but I would also say we have a part to play in world affairs and that is about being an independent voice. It is our anti-colonial history not to be part of anything that is a move away from neutrality, which would be absolutely abhorrent to the Irish people. It goes without saying it is not much of a peace plan if it does not lead to the end of the deaths of Palestinians.. More than 70,000 people have been slaughtered in Gaza and there have been attempts at greater levels of annexation in the West Bank. As for Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, in fairness, they are brutally honest about what they are offering up, and that is about ensuring there is no room for a Palestinian state. Beyond that, they would like to see a huge number of those Palestinians displaced by whatever means. I am not sure they are particularly worried about the means. We need to stand firm. It is a disgrace that the EU-Israel association agreement is still standing at this point. Pressure needs to be maintained. It goes without saying we must move on the occupied territories Bill.

We have also seen in the past while what Israel has done in firing at UNIFIL troops in Lebanon. We have also seen attacks on Palestinians in Lebanon. Not only do we have to look after those who are serving, but we need to make sure we follow up on what is necessary to see right by Seán Rooney and his family.

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