Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank all Members across the House for agreeing to the change to the Dáil schedule and facilitating this debate on the concerning developments regarding the Global Sumud Flotilla. I know that everyone’s overriding concern is for the safety and welfare of our Irish citizens who are on a mission of solidarity with the people of Palestine. This House, the Oireachtas and our people across the country are united in this solidarity. Indeed, we are united today in our urgent wish that no harm should come to those who boarded the Sumud Flotilla, to those who still in transit and to all those who have set out on a mission to bring humanitarian assistance to Gaza and highlight the horrific humanitarian catastrophe.

First, I wish to inform the House of the latest developments. This morning, I convened and chaired a special consular co-ordination group within my Department, which includes our consular director, the head of crisis planning, the assistant secretary general for citizen services and the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to respond in real time to what is a fast evolving situation off the coast of Gaza. The co-ordination group was joined by our ambassador in Tel Aviv via video link, who updated the group on the current status of Irish citizens who have been detained. We now have confirmation that at least 14 Irish citizens are among those intercepted and detained by Israel. There may be two other citizens whose presence is still being verified as I am here now. Our ambassador in Tel Aviv has formally requested consular access to those Irish citizens. I was informed on the call that there are no reports of any injuries currently among our Irish citizens.

I also wish to inform the House that my Department has now established a dedicated point of contact for the families of those detained or on the flotilla in addition to the broader contact point for those co-ordinating the flotilla activity more generally. Our embassy in Tel Aviv assures me it is well resourced to support our citizens, and we continue to monitor this. Our consular team in Dublin is also supporting our efforts on the ground in Israel.

This morning, I have instructed my officials to contact the non-resident Irish ambassador to Israel to register our strong condemnation of the actions of the Israeli authorities and highlight our absolute expectation that the welfare of our citizens is protected in line with international law. I have also requested an urgent call with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Kaja Kallas. Indeed, shortly before coming to this House, I spoke again with my Spanish counterpart about trying to take a co-ordinated, European approach to ensure the upholding of international law.

As Members will recall, Ireland signed a joined statement that recalls that any violation of international law or the human rights of the participants of the flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability. I assure the Dáil and the people of Ireland that this remains our position today. International law matters. It is the cornerstone of our foreign policy and must be upheld. I will consider with counterparts how best to advance this in the time ahead. We will assess what options are available to us with other European countries to uphold international law, seek accountability and hold Israel to account. I will keep the House updated on these next steps.

However, in the first instance, colleagues will understand that my absolute responsibility and priority, and that of the Government and Oireachtas, must be to ensure the welfare and well-being of our citizens. Officials from across my Department, including those in our embassy in Israel, are actively engaged with the situation and providing consular assistance to those affected.

What I have been informed is likely to happen now is that all detainees will be transferred to Ashdod Port for processing. From there, they will likely be taken to a detention facility south of Tel Aviv where they will have access to medical teams. We expect this to take quite a number of hours. This is the latest information we have available. It is my understanding that those who have been detained will be given the option to leave immediately and, if not, they will have a deportation hearing within 72 hours. That is how the Israeli system works. Given the religious holiday of Yom Kippur, however, we expect that processing time to be somewhat impacted. Department officials are also in direct and ongoing contact with the designated point of contact for the flotilla.

Let me be clear: these are Irish men and woman who sought to deliver aid and acted on conscience. They now find themselves in uncertain and potentially dangerous circumstances. A blockade that starves a people of hope and aid is inhumane. Seeing peaceful activists detained while simply seeking to relieve suffering is inhumane. The Government remains deeply and continuously engaged on this issue. We will work across this House tirelessly to safeguard the welfare of our citizens. We remain in constant contact with our consular team on the ground. They are working to establish the precise whereabouts of every Irish citizen to ensure their safety and dignity and secure their swift release.

Our ambassador and officials in Tel Aviv have been active from the first reports of interception. I thank them for their incredible work and diligence in difficult circumstances. They have made clear Ireland’s expectation that our citizens be treated fully in line with international law. I assure family and friends who are following events with understandable anxiety that they are not alone. The entire resources of the State, the Department of foreign affairs, our diplomatic network and European partners are being brought to bear on this issue. We are using every channel available to us.

It is in times like these that the value of maintaining diplomatic relations, even when it may seem to cut against the grain of justice, is most clearly seen. We will speak directly and persistently to those who hold our citizens. We press our case in European and international fora and we remind all parties that Ireland will never be silent when the safety of our people is at stake. We cannot be silent when humanity itself is at stake in Gaza. We will continue to insist calmly and firmly, but without equivocation, that those detained be released without harm, because they are wrongfully detained; humanitarian principles be upheld; and that the right to bring aid to desperate civilians not be criminalised. We will speak out against the outrageous slurs against those on the flotilla. They are decent people who are doing their best to advance the cause of peace.

Our solidarity today must also extend to the people of Gaza amidst a horrific man-made famine and genocide. Ireland has long championed the principles of peace, justice and international law. We will persist in calling for a massive and sustained flow of humanitarian aid, an end to collective punishment and the protection of civilians. Our first priority at this moment, however, is clear and immediate, that is, to safeguard the welfare and well-being of our citizens. That is what we are doing hour by hour, call by call and action by action.

I know this House and the Irish people stand united in that effort. We are united in passion, determination and hope that soon we will welcome our fellow citizens safely home and that the horrific humanitarian blockade and genocide in Gaza will end.

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

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I too spoke to Senator Andrews, at the Deputy's request, the other day. I have kept in contact with him in recent days. I had the opportunity to meet some of the families here the other day when we had the all-party motion in the Dáil, as did our head of consular services and the Minister of State with responsibility for international aid, Deputy Richmond.

My understanding is that there are 16 Irish citizens in the current part of the flotilla. He is right about the number 22. I was teasing through this - there is a further part of the flotilla to come. To the best of our knowledge, the part of the flotilla that has been intercepted has 16 Irish citizens on board. We have confirmation that 14 of them have been detained. We believe 16 have been detained. I want to give the House very accurate information. I expect all 16 have been detained but to date we have confirmation that only 14 have been detained. Our ambassador, Sonya McGuinness, is doing a very good job. She has already been in touch with the Israeli foreign ministry and has requested consular access to those citizens. We are continuing to pursue that.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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Has the Tánaiste or the Department contacted the families of those who are confirmed to have been detained, or even those who are expected to be detained? Does he have confirmation on when staff on the ground will have access to those who are detained illegally by the Israelis, and when they might have access to lawyers?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am sorry but I forgot to answer the Deputy's specific question about injuries. We have no reports of any injuries to Irish citizens. I am very conscious of the volatile and dangerous environment. We have no information on any injuries. Our head of consular services has been in regular contact with the point of co-ordination for the flotilla – someone familiar to both of us. We have also made a decision to put in place a dedicated contact point for families. That contact point is now in place. I believe the contact is under way for families.

We do not yet have confirmation on the exact time at which we expect to get access to our citizens. We are working on this constantly. Our citizens need to be brought ashore and when they are, I assure the Deputy that the Irish ambassador to Israel has made it very clear that she will expect very urgent access to them. I am keeping a very direct interest in that myself.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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Contact with the families is vitally important. It must be of the highest priority. I urge the Tánaiste to be the first to pick up the phone if there is any escalation or downturn in the situation. The families and people generally are concerned about when these Irish citizens can return home. Does he have any sense of a timescale about how long the process is likely to take and when these citizens are likely to be returned home safely?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The first priority is the Irish citizens who are detained and the absolute priority alongside that is to keep their families informed about any information we have. We are working closely with the families and trying to keep the lines of communication open. I have shared all of the information we have available and I and my Department will continue to do so. It is an evolving situation.

My understanding, having been briefed again this morning by our ambassador, is that once people are brought to a detention centre, they have to be brought before an Israeli deportation court within 72 hours. They are afforded an opportunity to sign a waiver form to waive that period and ask to leave Israel with immediate effect. I do not yet know the decision individual citizens will make on that, but we will provide all consular advice and assistance to people in that regard. People will be afforded the opportunity to sign a waiver form to say, "I want to leave Israel immediately", or to go before a deportation court. Under Israeli law, my understanding is that is meant to happen within 72 hours.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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On the wider legal international picture, does the Tánaiste agree that what happened in terms of detaining people in international waters is a breach of international law?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Yes, I do. I spoke with my Spanish counterpart this morning in relation to this. The full answer I should give is that we are determining all of the facts at the moment in an evolving situation. I am very clear that peace activists trying to highlight a humanitarian catastrophe and bring aid to the people of Gaza were apprehended and detained by Israeli authorities.

As I commented earlier, and in a statement issued with 14 other European countries in recent days, we will consider all actions available under international law to seek, first, information and, second, accountability for this action. Today should not be a day about me or anybody in the Irish Government doing anything provocative, it should be about trying to prioritise the well-being and safety of our citizens. That is my first priority.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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While I would not necessarily advocate that the Government would do something provocative for the sake of it, ultimately the flotilla is a consequence of what is happening internationally. There has to be a firm response from the Irish Government and from the international community.

As a follow-up to the previous question, we rightly recognised the State of Palestine. I welcome that other countries have done so too. That has to mean something in practical terms. Does the Tánaiste accept that even if these ships were not in international waters – if they were in Palestinian waters – that Palestinian waters are sovereign?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Yes, we recognise the State of Palestine. We are now one of more than 150 countries globally to do so.

I think Deputy Ó Laoghaire understood me, but I have been very clear in the statements I have issued on behalf of the Irish Government with 14 other European countries that international law matters, it has to be upheld, and there has to be accountability. What I am saying very much mirrors what my Spanish counterpart said in recent hours, which I discussed with him, that there is an important sequencing to this. When Irish citizens are detained abroad, priority number one has to be the welfare and well-being of those citizens. I know the Deputy does not, but nobody should take that as saying I do not believe there should be accountability or the pursuit of this matter under international law; I do.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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The Tánaiste will be aware that the next ships that are part of the flotilla are only three or four days away. They contain other Irish citizens, including a colleague of ours, Deputy Barry Heneghan. We are all concerned that the same thing will happen. It is reasonable to ask: what action the Department is taking to prepare for this and what actions will be taken to ensure the welfare of Irish citizens, European citizens and others are safeguarded? If it is a breach of international law for these ships to be intercepted in international or Palestinian waters, what is the international community, including Ireland, going to do to ensure that does not happen?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I say this very respectfully: I am very open to hearing suggestions from across this House and from all parliaments about what actions they believe the Government should be taking that we are not. In recent days people suggested that we join the Spanish ship, for example. I do not say this to be in any way disrespectful to Spain, with whom we are working very closely, but last night the Spanish ship withdrew and Spanish citizens were detained. They have not been treated any differently, better or afforded any degree of greater protection than Irish citizens.

I am concerned that the European Union has made absolutely zero comment to the very best of my knowledge, unless it has happened in the past few minutes when hundreds of European Union citizens are detained. I want to pursue that matter directly with the High Representative, Kaja Kallas, today. I have sought a call with her. I have been in contact with her too. It is really important that the European Union makes it known to Israel that we expect the rights of European citizens, including Irish citizens, to be respected.

I have been in touch with Deputy Heneghan. I spoke to him either yesterday or the day before. I will continue to keep in contact with him. We cannot lose sight of the reason all of these people are on the flotilla, which is there is a humanitarian catastrophe and a genocide. The best way for Israel to stop the flotilla is to end the genocide. The best way to end the genocide is to agree to a peace plan. I have heard the peace plan represented as President Trump's peace plan. I was in the United Nations, meeting with Arab leaders and Arab nations who worked extraordinarily hard on that peace plan. It is a plan that has been endorsed by many countries in the region. I hope that all parties, Israel and Hamas, now accept a peace process, end this horrific genocide and release the hostages.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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We touched on the proposal yesterday. We all want to see peace. Arab countries may have been part of the process but the Palestinians themselves were not.

The Tánaiste made a point in relation to the genocide. This is a fundamental point. In lots of respects, the flotilla is a symptom. Ultimately, the disease needs to be cured. As long as there is a genocide that continues in Gaza, there will be people who will do what they can to break the blockade and to stand up where institutions and the international order are failing. That will continue to be the case. Israel has in this instance and many other instances acted with impunity because there are no consequences. While the Tánaiste has said the first priority is in relation to Irish citizens, at a political level Ireland needs to be leading and making it clear that consequences have to follow for breaches of international law. The Tánaiste is meeting with Maroš Šefčovič later this evening. A key tool in ensuring that Israel does bear some responsibility is the EU-Israel trade agreement. Will the Tánaiste be raising directly with Maroš Šefčovič the need to block and halt the EU trade agreement? It is astonishing that Israel is currently benefiting from favourable trade agreements with the EU. It is disgusting; and it needs to be halted.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Of course I will. As the Deputy knows well, Maroš Šefčovič agrees with that. That is why at the College of Commissioners, President von der Leyen put forward proposals and proposals were adopted. I am not in any way getting involved in politics today on this, but the problem is no longer that the European Commission is not bringing forward proposals; it is that member states are failing to vote in favour of implementing those proposals. We now have significant proposals that would do exactly what the Deputy suggests around trade. I believe they could make a significant difference. I believe they could make a greater difference than any sovereign act any one of our parliaments in the European Union could take. What needs to happen is that member states, including Ireland, need to have an opportunity to vote on them. I have petitioned this. I am available today to vote on these proposals. There is an absolute onus on the European Council and the institutions of Europe to convene and allow member states to show where they stand and let history show where they stood in relation to these measures that could have a significant economic impact and help Netanyahu to change his calculus in relation to the genocide.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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I condemn the attack at the synagogue in Manchester. I express our solidarity with all of those affected.

On behalf of the Social Democrats, I express our horror at the actions of the Israeli military. Last night, they illegally boarded the Sumud flotilla in international waters, and effectively kidnapped humanitarian activists, including at least 14 Irish citizens. They took this action not because the flotilla posed a threat or because anyone on board was dangerous, but to stop humanitarian aid reaching a starving population in Gaza. This is a population that is enduring a genocide being perpetrated by Israel. This is a population that has been relentlessly and mercilessly abused, tortured and murdered for nearly the past two years.

Not only did Israeli forces illegally board the vessels in the flotilla, but they aggressively targeted them and put them in harm’s way. According to reports, one vessel was deliberately rammed. The vessel's communications were jammed, and passengers were ordered to throw their phones into the sea. This was all to ensure that peaceful humanitarian volunteers could not be contacted. This happened before they were rounded up, manhandled, detained and treated like criminals. This Government was asked to do something to support the flotilla. A simple request was made to send personnel to observe it, to bear witness to what was being done and to deter Israel from further action. However, there was no action by the Government despite the fact that so many Irish citizens were being endangered and threatened by Israel for taking a stand against a brutal occupation, against an apartheid state and against 24 months of genocide.

The Israeli Government has acted with brutal impunity in Gaza for nearly two years. Every day we hear reports of dozens of people in Gaza being killed or starved to death, but virtually no sanctions have been imposed on Israel. Israel is so emboldened by this lack of sanction that it feels it can get away with anything, even kidnapping citizens of this country and dozens more from a humanitarian mission on the high seas. What is the Government going to do about it? I am not hearing from what the Tánaiste has said that sufficient is being done. There are strong words of condemnation and I support the Tánaiste on that, but nothing indicates that those strong words are being followed up with concrete actions. I know the Tánaiste is personally disgusted by what Israel is doing, and so are others in the Cabinet and Government backbench TDs, but I cannot understand why these feelings of disgust and horror are not spurring the Government on to more concrete actions. I cannot understand why the Government's action in response to the citizens on the humanitarian flotilla, who have been threatened and now kidnapped, has not been sufficiently strong. I cannot understand why this Government is slow walking the occupied territories Bill. I cannot understand why the Israeli settlements divestment Bill has not been enacted. I cannot under why munitions destined for Israel are being allowed to go through Irish airspace.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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I cannot under why tens of millions of euro worth of dual-use products are still being exported to Israel. I cannot why Ireland's sovereign wealth fund is still investing in companies that are trading in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. I cannot understand why the Central Bank had been facilitating the sale of Israeli war bonds to fund the genocide. I cannot why Ireland and the EU are still trading normally with this murderous regime. I cannot understand any of this, and the Irish people cannot understand any of this. When Irish citizens were coming under attack on the flotilla last week, why did the Government not send personnel to observe what was happening and try to help to safeguard those citizens? Why did the Government not act at that point?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I join the Deputy in expressing my sincere sympathy and absolute condemnation in relation to what has happened at the synagogue in Manchester. The information is still developing as we are in this House, but I understand that two people have now died. Today is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. That adds to the horror of an attack and brutal murder outside of a synagogue. I send the solidarity of everyone in this House and across the country to all of those impacted and to the Jewish community.

In relation to the issue of the observer situation, we looked at this. However, a number of things came to pass. First, there was a Spanish boat in the region. The Spanish were clear that our Irish citizens would be treated the same as theirs if there was a need to have access to that boat. We very much appreciated that solidarity from Spain. Second, and I do not say this to be anyway disrespectful to our Spanish counterparts, but they had a boat observing in the region and all their citizens have been detained in no different way from our citizens. It was always the ship's intention to withdraw. My understanding from reports this morning is that the Spanish and Italian Governments called for their citizens to desist and come back on the flotilla. I do not believe it would have made any material difference. However, I wish to say, not in the defence of myself or the Government but out of respect for the people in question, that a team of people have been working on this matter extraordinarily intensively on behalf of Ireland and our diplomatic corps. I refer to our team in Tel Aviv and in the region more generally, and to our consular services. I am satisfied they have been doing a very good job.

On sanctions, I agree with the Deputy on trading, but it is an EU competency. I am ready vote. I am ready to vote in favour on the Deputy's behalf and behalf of the people of Ireland for the measures put forward by the European Commission that I believe would have a significant effect. I personally led a diplomatic effort to seek an early meeting so we could have that vote. Four other European countries have joined us in that. After the events of the past number of hours, I will be intensifying those efforts further.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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Given that Irish citizens were engaged in this humanitarian mission with massive support from the Irish people, and in light of the fact that a flotilla had already been attacked in international waters, does the Tánaiste not agree that sending some personnel would have shown the support of the Government, would have put additional pressure on Israel and would have been warranted?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I truthfully do not. The facts bear that out. Türkiye, Italy and Spain sent boats. It was not as though their citizens were treated in any way better or preferentially in relation this. European boats were present and available to our Irish citizens in the same way they were available to other citizens of the European Union. We have been working in lockstep with European counterparts in relation to that. That is my genuine view on it.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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It would have sent a message.

It would have been important and I think the Tánaiste knows that.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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They would not have arrived in time. Other countries had boats in the region. I welcome the new interest in investing in our defence and security capacities but other countries had boats in the region that were willing to treat our citizens as their citizens. That is European solidarity.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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When is the occupied territories Bill going to be enacted?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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That is a fair question. I am meeting the sponsor of the original Bill, Senator Frances Black, next week. I hope to bring it forward very shortly thereafter.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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The Tánaiste has been telling us for quite some time that he will be bringing the Bill forward very shortly and that he will be meeting the sponsor of the Bill. He has met with the sponsor of the Bill several time and that is welcome. When is it actually going to be brought forward? Surely at this stage, given everything that has happened, the Tánaiste can actually give us a firm commitment and timeline on when he is going to bring it forward.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It is on the Government's priority publication list for this term. It will be brought forward in this term. I do not want anyone to misinterpret what I am saying here. I am committed to passing the occupied territories Bill, to working with the committee and on an all-party basis, and to considering the pre-legislative scrutiny report which my officials have been doing. I am telling the Deputy, hand on heart, if alongside that we can get these European trading measures passed, which is where the bulk of my effort is, it will be much more significant in ending the genocide in Gaza. That is not a reason not to do the Bill - we will - but it is where the focus also has to be.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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When will the Tánaiste take action to stop munitions destined for Israel going through Irish airspace?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My colleague, the Minister for Transport, is currently investigating a number of issues and reports that were brought to his attention in relation to that. There is a very significant logistical issue in terms of what happens in skies well above our territory. The Minister has received a number of issues that were brought to his attention. He is pursuing that and I will ask him to provide an urgent update to the Deputy.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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With respect, that is the same answer we have been getting all year. We are told that the Minister is investigating, has gotten reports and is looking into it. Munitions that are being used in a genocide are going through our Irish airspace and the Tánaiste needs to act to stop that from happening. Enough of the excuses about looking at reports, investigating and so forth; when is he actually going to act to do something about this?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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When is the Deputy going to outline what proposal he thinks the Irish Government should put in place in relation to this?

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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Prosecute them.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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Prosecute them.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Minister is looking at all the various legal options that are there. I hope that when I next come to this House to set out the need to invest more in defence, security, radar and sonar, we will not be accused of militarisation but will be accused of actually having a better understanding of what happens in our skies and seas.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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When is the Tánaiste going to stop our sovereign wealth fund from investing in companies that are trading illegally in occupied Palestinian territories?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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These are matters for the individual funds. I am not aware of any current proposals in relation to those.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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The Minister for Finance in a recent reply to me stated that €5.6 million of taxpayers' money is still being invested in companies operating in the occupied territories. The Tánaiste has absolutely no mandate - none whatsoever - to use our public money to invest in these companies. How can he justify this? Will he put an immediate end to this gross misuse of public funds? Will he instruct the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to stop using our money to invest in these companies?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I certainly do not want to see investment in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories, much like I do not want to see trade with them. My understanding is that the Minister has set out the legal position in relation to how that fund operates. I will ask him to provide the Deputy with further information because he has policy responsibility in this area. The Minister for Finance has outlined to the House the commercial position in relation to this on many occasions.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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I am not looking for more information about this. We have information from the Minister for Finance. I want the Government to act. Our public money is being invested against the wishes of the Irish people in companies operating illegally in the occupied territories. You are the Tánaiste of the Government. Will you pick up the phone to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and tell them to stop using our money in this way? Nobody supports it, and nobody wants it. Will you act?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Finance has outlined the position in relation to that. It is always open to the Opposition to also bring forward policy and legislative proposals in relation to these matters.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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You will not act.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy can bring forward a Bill himself.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Order, please. I did allow the Deputy to stray way beyond what the statements are about. I ask Members to stick with the stated purpose of these statements.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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On a point of order----

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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There is no point of order.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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-----I just want to take the opportunity to make it clear that I was not aware when I rose to my feet of the appalling attack on the Heaton Park synagogue. I add our party's condemnation of an appalling attack on a holy day for the Jewish community. If it emerges that the motive is antisemitic, antisemitism is a scourge that must be rejected by all. Our thoughts go to those affected.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Okay. We will move on to the Independent and Parties technical group.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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I will take nine minutes and Deputy Healy will take three. I will start by adding our condemnation of the horrendous attack on the synagogue in Britain.

We should be very clear about what we saw last night. It was an act of piracy in international waters. The Israeli special forces unit Shayetet 13 surrounded 40-something flotilla boats, sprayed a whole number of them with heavy water cannons, rammed a number of small boats and then boarded them with armed soldiers. These boats were in international waters carrying baby formula, food and medicine to a people who are being deliberately starved and having famine imposed on them by Israel. These people have been kidnapped. They have not been detained; they have been kidnapped in international waters and are being taken against their will to Ashdod, probably, which is the usual spot.

I was in here last night and watching the live feed like millions of people around the world. I felt that in those pictures we had the best of humanity - ordinary people - on display. I had the pleasure of spending two weeks with hundreds of them in Tunis. They are extraordinary people in many ways but ordinary people in terms of the lives they lead as nurses, civil servants, a Senator, a poet. These people are driven to do what they can and put their lives on the line to try to stop a genocide. We saw the best of humanity, combined with the worst of humanity as these Israeli soldiers boarded their boats in order to stop aid getting through to a starving population.

It was very similar to the experience we had in 2011 on the flotilla I participated in. Senator Chris Andrews and many others were part of that. It is a terrifying experience for Israeli soldiers to board your boat. They are clearly hyped up. They have got big guns, they are pointing them at you and you are highly aware they have been told you are Hamas terrorists or whatever else. This is David and Goliath stuff. Israel is armed by the world's richest countries and has one of the richest, most armed militaries, with support from the most powerful countries in the world to inflict this genocide on ordinary people armed with nothing other than baby formula, food and medicine. It says everything about the nature of this Israeli State, the nature of this genocide and the nature of this apartheid State that they engage in military action to stop people bringing in humanitarian aid.

I want to say one thing to the participants in the flotilla. When we were in Tunis, we spoke about two key parts of our mission. One was to break the siege and open a people's humanitarian corridor to allow aid to flow. It is clear that is not going to be achieved. An obligation goes back onto states to bring aid and ensure the blockade is broken. The other aim was to highlight the complicity of Western states or their failure to act, and to bring pressure to bear on Governments around the world. That aim of the mission has been achieved. A new impetus has been given to the global movement of resistance. We saw last night huge protests breaking out spontaneously at midnight, in a whole number of countries, of people saying since they have blocked the flotilla getting through, let us block everything. Italian unions have called a general strike for tomorrow. All of us need to now redouble our efforts to stop the support, arming and enabling of genocide. Saturday's national protest called by the IPSC, at 12.30 p.m. at the Garden of Remembrance, can be absolutely enormous now as people flood onto the streets.

There are people outside the Dáil right now protesting. Just like the Italian workers, we need to put workers' action on the agenda. I know Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine has called a day of workers' action on 16 October.

I wish to focus in on some questions. The Tánaiste mentioned earlier about the ambassador making clear our expectation that our citizens would be treated fully in line with international law. To clarify, does the Tánaiste agree that already our citizens have not been treated in line with international law? The other thing I would say to him is that we cannot trust the Israeli state about anything. We know that on a much bigger scale. I can tell about our experience when we were brought to Ashdod. The Irish ambassador was there. All sorts of commitments were made to us. We were told we would get everything back and we would be back on a plane within 24 hours if we got off the boat now and there would be no strip searching, no mistreatment, etc. Once the ambassador was gone, all of that was gone. We were strip searched and then detained. Our books were taken away from us. We were not given anything for a week. I know there are limits to what the Irish ambassador can do in Israel but all pressure needs to be added to ensure these people are properly treated.

I will move on because a lot of the details in terms of the flotilla and the treatment have been questioned. If the flotilla participants were here, I think they would want me to ask about the broader issues because that is what they are engaged about. It is all eyes on Gaza, not just the flotilla. To pursue the question about the use of Irish airspace, the Tánaiste went on "The Late Late Show" and said he did not think Irish airspace was being used. I asked a Leaders' Question and gave him a dossier to prove that. I got a letter after that from the Minister for Transport stating that an examination was ongoing. We know that examination has been ongoing for more than a year now. I got an answer to a parliamentary question back last week. I asked when the examination commenced and when it would be completed. The answer I got was: "My Department has been engaged in the examination of this matter. This work is still ongoing at the present time." That is really a joke. Is the Government going to take seriously the issue of the overflights? It is not a question of beefing up our military. It is a question of prosecuting the companies that have it on their waybills. The Minister can prosecute the companies. The companies have admitted that they are doing this. It is clearly illegal. Why is the examination taking so long and is the Government going to act on it?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am very happy to answer questions on broader issues than the flotilla but the Deputy can be assured that the entire night and day has been dedicated to trying to protect Irish citizens who are currently detained in the State of Israel and get them home as quickly as possible. That is where my focus is today and has been right throughout the night.

Regarding the airspace issue, the Minister for Transport has made the Government's position clear. That remains the Government's position and I will seek an urgent update from him in relation to that. There are complexities regarding these things but they are issues of legitimate public concern in our country and they are issues of concern to Government. If there is an ability to take action, we are very happy to take that action. Deputy Murphy and I do not agree on lots of things but I do acknowledge he has joined flotillas and has a lot of experience in relation to these things. I welcome those insights he has shared with me and I assure him I will support not only our ambassador and our team on the ground in Tel Aviv but in providing any resources or assistance they need to keep the pressure on for the well-being of our citizens. Considering there are now likely to be hundreds of citizens, and, indeed, citizens from the European Union, detained, it is really important in the hours ahead that we work together to maximise that pressure in terms of the welfare of our citizens. Yes, I agree that they have been illegally detained.

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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For almost two years, we have seen the Israeli state deliberately attempting to exterminate the Palestinian people by bomb, bullet and starvation. Gaza is now one big concentration camp and 2.3 million people are facing annihilation and starvation. Some 65,000 people have been murdered, included 25,000 children. Every international agency of note has condemned Israel, including the international courts. Last week, the United Nations deemed what is going on in Gaza as genocide. The prime minister of Israel is subject to an arrest warrant. The latest outrage last night is piracy and the kidnapping in international waters of Irish citizens, including a Member of the Oireachtas. This is absolutely outrageous. There have been many emergency sittings of this Oireachtas to pass legislation for much less serious matters than what we are facing in Gaza and on the international stage. Surely it is now time to call an emergency sitting of this Oireachtas, of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, to pass the occupied territories Bill, to impose sanctions and to stop military flights through Shannon Airport. Surely the situation we see in Gaza demands such a response. The Irish people have a particular bond with the Palestinian people through our colonial past, our famine - An Gorta Mór - and through our neutrality. It is time that the Government called an emergency session of this Oireachtas to impose sanctions, to pass the occupied territories Bill and to stop military planes going through Shannon.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Healy. I would hazard a guess that there is not been a parliament in Europe that has dedicated more time this week to the issue in the Middle East, though the Chief Whip can correct me. We had a debate on the Middle East for many hours yesterday. We have had the all-party motion and debate regarding the flotilla. We have changed Standing Orders today in a very rare step to suspend normal Leaders' Questions and Questions on Policy or Legislation, QPL, to discuss the situation. All of that is appropriate considering the gravity of the situation. The Government will work with the Opposition, of course, to ensure we expeditiously pass any legislation that we bring forward in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories. On the issues regarding sanctions or measures on trade, I do not believe they will require primary domestic legislation if we can get a qualified majority vote at a European level and my priority will be to secure that in the days ahead.

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
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I have both statements and questions. To start with, I just spoke to Councillor Ger Curley who is an Independent councillor. The worries and concerns of the people of Cobh are for Paddy O'Donovan and the other Irish citizens who have been detained. There are serious concerns in Cobh in regard to Paddy O'Donovan, including among his family. I hope that we convey those concerns to the relevant people. On Tuesday, during my contributions in the Dáil on the flotilla, I stated that all of us in the Independent Ireland party publicly support the humanitarian nature of the global Sumud Flotilla. All of us in the Independent Ireland party call for safe and unhindered passage for all humanitarian aid vessels. All of us in the Independent Ireland party reaffirm Ireland's unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Yesterday evening Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked: where is world order, where is respect and where are people coming together for peace?

I want to speak plainly about the developments around the global flotilla. Overnight, we saw, not just manoeuvres at sea, but manoeuvrers that carry a terrible human cost. While ships are blocked, men, women and children are going hungry. Ireland knows that pain. We carry it from our history in our bones from the time of the Great Irish Famine. Ships laden with food passed our shores while our people starved on the roadsides. That memory is not just history. It is a warning. When we see supplies prevented from reaching starving people when international law is cast aside in the name of power, we have a duty to speak not just for ourselves but for those who have no voice.

I accept that diplomacy is complex. I accept that nations act in their own interests. However, there comes a point when humanitarian needs must be placed above politics, strategy and every other consideration. Children cannot eat words. They need food. Ireland, of all countries, should not stand silently by. We must insist that humanitarian supplies are allowed safe passage and that the flotilla is not turned into a weapon of starvation. It is not enough to make statements of concern. We must raise our voice at the highest levels, in Brussels, in the UN and in every forum on which we sit. If food is being blocked, it is not only immoral but is a breach of international law that cannot be tolerated.

I appeal to the Tánaiste to remember our own history. He should remember our own Famine and make sure Ireland is not complicit in silence. Let us be the voice that says clearly: never again should food be blocked while people starve.

If the flotilla means anything, it should mean hope and relief, not hunger and not despair. Ireland must use its place to make that clear. I for one will continue to call for it. Will the Tánaiste confirm whether our supplies that are bound for starving civilians have been delayed or obstructed by the interception of the flotilla and what steps Ireland as a neutral country has taken to demand the detainees' immediate release?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I know that Deputy Collins is one of the people who suggested, with Independent Ireland, that we should have a debate on the all-party flotilla motion this week. It proved to be very constructive in being able to tease through some of the issues. That was raised at the Business Committee.

I agree with the Deputy in relation to famine. There is something in our DNA and in our gut in this country. Through our history of an Gorta Mór we know what that is like. It is in the DNA of the people in this country and that is why we feel particularly repulsed in Ireland when we see famine conditions. It is now not just our words, the Deputy's words or my words. It is now an international finding of fact that there is famine in Gaza. The most disgusting and despicable thing is that the famine is happening when, as the Deputy alluded to, there is food nearby. I heard from a UN agency last week that children are having amputations without anaesthetics. It is hard to say that, let alone think about it. There are amputations without anaesthesics because Israel will not let the medicines and anaesthetics into Gaza. Mary Robinson, our former President, told me at the UN last week that she had visited the Rafah crossing and seen warehouse loads of food, a lot of it funded by the Irish taxpayer and other European taxpayers, and the only reason it cannot get in is Netanyahu.

Yes, we will not stand idly by and we have used our voice at the UN and the EU. We have also invested in the UNRWA and the World Food Programme with additional funding. They are getting trickles, nowhere near enough, with that additional funding to try to get food into a starving people. While the flotilla had a relatively small amount of aid, and I do not say that to be flippant, the symbolism of trying to get aid in and showing the blockade is hugely important and I believe it is something that people right across this country support.

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
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As I said, given our own experience in the Famine, where food was exported while our people starved, does the Tánaiste agree that Ireland carries a special moral duty to stand against the use of hunger as a weapon?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Yes, I do. It is one of the reasons Ireland has tried to be proactive on the issue of the genocide in Palestine. There is always more that can be done. I accept that. The international community in general has been far too slow and far too negligent. That would be the view in this House. I take the point that there is more we can do and I engage in that constructively. It is the reason Ireland moved ahead and recognised the State of Palestine a year ahead of many other European countries, which did it last week. It is the reason we have provided additional funding to UNRWA and the World Food Programme. It is the reason we have been leading the call for the review of the Israel-EU association agreement. It is the reason we are looking for an early European meeting to go through those sanctions. We will continue those actions in the hours and days ahead.

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
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In my final 20 seconds, I will ask the remainder my questions together and see how I get on. What concrete actions will Ireland as a neutral country take at the UN and in the EU, and bilaterally, to insist on safe passage for humanitarian supplies and to hold to account those responsible for the blockage? Will the Tánaiste assure the House that Ireland as a neutral country will not be silent or complicit but will use diplomatic channels available to ensure that the starving population receives the supplies it desperately needs? In reality, what can we as a neutral country do to help the people of Gaza and to help to end this devastating war?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I absolutely assure the Deputy that we will do that. We will work with our European counterparts, as I said in the statement issued by Ireland and 14 other countries, to see what options are available internationally in seeking accountability in relation to this flotilla.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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I add my condemnation to the horrendous attacks that have happened outside the synagogue in Manchester.

As the Tánaiste knows, the world has looked on at the horror that has happened for the last two years in Gaza and the fact that over 60,000 men, women and children have been murdered. Dozens of men, women and children are being murdered daily. Bombs are being dropped on schools, tents, religious locations and churches, hospitals and asylum centres. The level of destruction and murder that has been happening in Gaza for the last two years is absolutely horrendous.

This flotilla is a significant tool for focusing light on that horrendous situation. Israel has been at pains to tell us that there is no genocide, that there is no blockade of food and that they are not stopping aid getting into the region. Those lies were never credible but they are certainly not credible after today. We express our solidarity with all those who have been detained. The idea that 500 lawyers, activists and parliamentarians have been involved in this is an incredible feat. The flotilla was intercepted in international waters. That is a clear breach of international law. It is another example of Israel operating as a rogue state. It is an act of aggression against the countries under which flags those boats were travelling. It is incredible that we have had such a serious act of aggression against Ireland.

There are 15 Irish citizens in the custody of the Israel Defense Forces, IDF, at the moment. It is incredible that the Israeli foreign minister, in a post on Twitter, labelled those involved in the flotilla as Hamas, announcing that the IDF had intercepted Hamas vessels. This is a dark and dangerous surrealism that the Israeli Government would accuse Irish citizens of being members of Hamas. It is absolutely incredible that names like Kelly, Sheehy, O'Donovan and Clancy could ever be associated with Hamas by an actual government.

Protests are happening in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia and Türkiye. Governments around the world have been ramping up the criticism and pressure. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has increased that pressure. Türkiye's foreign minister has condemned these interceptions as an act of terrorism. The Colombian President has expelled the remaining Israeli diplomats and Colombia has also terminated its free trade agreement with Israel. I appreciate the information the Tánaiste has given us in the Chamber today. It is important information. I appreciate also that the Tánaiste is in contact with the families and that is important too. However, what practical actions are we taking to protect the rights of our citizens, to make sure their well-being is protected and to get them home as soon as possible?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I join with Deputy Tóibín in condemning the outrageous slurs on our citizens in relation to any reference to Hamas. Our Irish citizens are people in the pursuit of peace and on a humanitarian mission to try to bring food and medicine to a starving population. I agree with the Deputy in condemning that horrific slur on our citizens. That should not be stood for.

I appreciate what the Deputy said about the work of my Department. Our priority today, tomorrow and in the period ahead has to be the well-being of our citizens who are currently in detention in Israel. That has to be our priority. It always has to be the priority of the Department of foreign affairs, when our citizens are detained wrongly abroad, to try to help and assist them and support their families. I do not want to go further than this currently, but in the statement I issued with 14 other countries, I said that there does have to be accountability under international law for the actions that have been taken by Israel. I have begun conversations with counterparts and will have further conversations to detect if there is an appetite, which I hope and believe there is, to consider how a number of countries could pursue this. I will keep the House informed on this as I develop a policy and as I engage further with Government colleagues here in Ireland too.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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I have a couple of questions. Will the Tánaiste give a date for the occupied territories Bill? He mentioned the complexities in relation to Israeli arms flights over Ireland. There is a danger that people can hide behind complexities. The Ditch has reported that the Irish State authorities in the last two months have assisted FedEx flights flying through Irish territory as they illegally carried F-35 combat jet parts to an Israel Defense Forces air base. The F-35 fighter jets have dropped 900 kg bombs on Gaza. It is a significant issue that our Defence Forces and our territory would facilitate these flights happening. If The Ditch can get to the heart of the contents of those flights, it is very hard to see that the Irish Government cannot actually put a stop to this or at least use the current law. There is a law currently that states that the carriage of munitions of war through Irish airspace without permission from the Minister for Transport is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years' imprisonment. We should be pulling every single lever to make sure we have an immediate response to actual events that are leading to the deaths of men, women and children in Gaza, yet we are not seeing that immediacy. We are seeing prevarication in relation to actual steps that we could take now.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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While there is not a specific date for the Bill, because obviously that is not how our legislative programme works, it is on the legislative programme for now. I am eager to move it forward as quickly as possible. I will meet with the sponsor of the original Bill next week and then I will revert to the House.

1 o’clock

I can tell the Deputy we are open to considering all legal avenues that currently exist in relation to any wrongful use of Irish airspace. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has been pursuing that matter.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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First, like others, I acknowledge the horrific attack on a synagogue in Manchester. I send me deepest sympathies to the families of the two deceased. I understand there are a number of other people injured. It is horrific. I condemn outright what appears to have been a blatantly antisemitic attack on Yom Kippur.

I also acknowledge the importance of having made time for this debate today. This is unprecedented. The circumstances are extraordinary, as we see a rapidly evolving situation and a number of Irish citizens put at risk. All of our thoughts and concerns are with those citizens on the Global Sumud Flotilla, who have been part of a humanitarian and who have endured a great deal of intimidation from Israel over recent days, even before the awful events of last night.

We were all following what was going on. We were watching the deployment of water cannon against them, the use of intimidating and frightening tactics by Israel against them and then, of course, most recently and dramatically last night, the illegal detention - abduction, really - of, we think, 15 Irish citizens. I think the Tánaiste said 15 or 16 Irish citizens, among them our colleague in the Oireachtas Senator Chris Andrews, my own constituency colleague. I want to send a particular message to Chris. We know that another Member of the Oireachtas, Deputy Barry Heneghan, is in the broader flotilla. A number of other Irish citizens have also been abducted by Israel. We have had some of their families in this Chamber just recently. I again express our enormous sympathy and solidarity with the families, who must be undergoing enormous distress and concern as they are unable to watch what is going on because so little communication has been possible as a result of the Israeli action.

On behalf of Labour, I condemn Israel for this latest flagrant breach of international law - intercepting a flotilla of ships whose only mission was to draw attention to the horrific genocide being perpetrated by Israel upon the people of Gaza and to seek to bring aid to the civilians in Gaza, who are enduring such unimaginable suffering.

My colleague Deputy Duncan Smith will take on the asking of questions to the Tánaiste and I know the Tánaiste has outlined the efforts being made at diplomatic level by our ambassador, by the Tánaiste himself and by our Department of foreign affairs at the highest level to secure the safety of Irish citizens on the flotilla and, more broadly, an end to the horrific genocide in Gaza. The Tánaiste has already articulated this, as have I. All of us hope there will be a sustainable peace in Gaza. All of us have enormous concerns about the peace proposals that have been put forward but, certainly, we want to see an end to the genocide, the bringing about of a sustainable ceasefire and a sustainable two-state solution for the people of Palestine. We have been watching with horror as over 60,000 civilians in Gaza have been killed under bombardment and man-made famine. We have watched children being killed and maimed. We have watched medics and journalists being killed. A doctor interviewed this week spoke about the horror of standing by a small girl's bedside as she died from bombardment. Her entire family had been wiped out by a bombardment. These are unimaginable horrors and we have to do all we can.

Before I hand to Deputy Duncan Smith, I want to finish by saying again that we have always welcomed what the Government has done. We recognise the Irish Government has been to the fore, along with our colleagues in the Spanish Government, led by our socialist colleague Pedro Sánchez. They have been to the fore in calling out Israel and standing in solidarity with Gaza. We can and should do more because we are a powerful voice on the international stage, and a powerful voice for the people of Palestine. We need to progress the occupied territories Bill with much greater speed and to cover both goods and services. We need to ensure we have no trade with Israel as it commits genocide, and that we are pushing at the strongest level, a European level, to ensure that at EU level too there is an end to trade and effective sanctions on Israel.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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It cannot be lost on us what we have done here today, in terms of adapting Leaders' Questions to deal with this issue. I commend the Government Chief Whip on allowing this today. I cannot remember a precedent for this, given all the crises we have had before. It was right to do it but it shows that this House can act, adapt and be flexible.

I have to bring the Tánaiste back to the occupied territories Bill. In my time in this House, I have often had promises that Bills are going to be brought about in a particular term. We wait and wait, we get to the last week of the term and maybe Second Stage begins. Then we go into a recess. Then we come back and it takes two or three weeks for Second Stage to be resumed. I have to ask the Tánaiste about the occupied territories Bill. I was on the committee. We dealt expeditiously with pre-legislative scrutiny and we got a report to the Tánaiste well before the summer recess. Will the occupied territories Bill be brought to this House before the end of October?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I will answer the question but first, Deputy Bacik asked a question about the number of Irish citizens. I want to give the House the best information I have. When I came into this House, we had confirmed that 14 Irish citizens have been detained. I am aware that there are 16 Irish citizens in total but one of them may be a dual citizen so I think that might be where the 15-16 issue arises.

I am reluctant to give that commitment to Deputy Smith but not out of a lack of urgency around the occupied territories Bill. I am just conscious that the House goes into recess. I am conscious of budget week and that it is now October but I will work with Opposition parties and spokespeople to try to agree a timetable to advance this Bill. I am happy to do that with the Government Chief Whip. We do want to move this forward.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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In light of that, would the Tánaiste be confident it will be before the end of November?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Yes.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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Okay. We will have it before the end of November.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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I thank the Tánaiste.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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At least that is something.

Is there any update on the potential suite of measures the Taoiseach announced at the UN General Assembly, to include sanctions on the travel of Israeli Ministers? Has anything new been put in place? If not, when will they be put in place and what exactly is the full extent of such new sanctioning measures?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach made the point at the UN General Assembly, in delivering the national statement, that we want to make sure Ireland also puts in place exclusionary measures from our country for extremist Israeli ministers. Obviously, we are not in the Schengen area so there is a different way we have to do it compared with how many other European countries did it. My understanding is the Department of justice is leading on this and that there are advanced discussions between my own Department, foreign affairs, and the Department of justice. A solution or a way forward is imminent. What the Taoiseach rightly said is that we want to make sure the same restrictions on travel apply in this country as will in other countries.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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I do not want to go over the answer with regard to vessels, observational vessels and individuals, in terms of going as far and being turned back, but we have the flotilla continuing. This could happen again and again. Is the Tánaiste open to engaging with like-minded EU states to come up with contingency plans for the protection, observation - whatever you want to call it - or engagement for humanitarian aid flotillas, or something that might continue into the future? Is he open to coming up with something a bit more permanent?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Yes, I am. It should be done in a way that is European in the sense that sometimes, it just makes more sense if there are a number of European countries. Certain countries can have vessels in the area, etc., and speed can sometimes be of the essence, so yes, I am.

I do not wish to speak for other countries at all but my understanding of the purpose for the presence of some of those vehicles was in case the need for evacuation became real. God forbid, had something happened in terms of the well-being of citizens from attacks on the vehicles, it was about having that evacuation capacity. I was given an assurance that should that requirement be there, our citizens would be treated the same as any other European citizens as regards access to those vessels. I was satisfied, beyond doubt, that our citizens had the same access as Spanish citizens would have, for example, to what was effectively a European ship.

The Deputy's point is fair. I have already spoken to my Spanish counterpart this morning and I intend to speak to many more counterparts during the course of today and tomorrow. I will take the Deputy's idea away and see if we can build on it.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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I was in the defence committee this morning discussing the maritime security strategy. Within that came our capabilities, and we know the issues in relation to naval vessels. We do have legacy expertise in the Mediterranean neighbourhood through Operation Pontus and working with EU partner states on that. We can act and we do have expertise in our Defence Forces and Naval Service to do that.

On the piracy and the kidnapping and detention of Irish citizens, the Tánaiste says he is open to practical solutions or ideas. Would he request that his officials investigate the possibility of referring this latest action to the ICJ, for example, for investigation at the least?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy can imagine, because this is an evolving situation, I have not had the chance to discuss this with Government colleagues and the likes. I also want to take this sequentially. Step one is the well-being of our citizens, seeking their freedom and to get them back home, and the very intensive work my Department and our individuals on the ground are undertaking in the here and now. I have said in the statement last month with 14 other countries that there should be accountability for any illegal actions taken against the flotilla.

I very much value international law. I am already actively exploring, with other European counterparts, if there is an appetite for a number of European countries to seek accountability for this under international law. I do not think it would be useful today for me to go further in relation to this. I do not wish to engage in any act of provocation. My priority in the here and now is the well-being and safety of our citizens. I am happy to come back to the House and engage. Once I further develop my thoughts, I will come back on it.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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Would it be fair to say that the Tánaiste and Government have an appetite?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It would be fair to say that I have an open mind and do not rule anything out at this stage.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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In the spirit of the worker's voice on this, we have seen the action in Italy with workers' solidarity, which has been called for for a couple of weeks. The Labour Party has the Occupying Power (Securities and Handling of Settlement Goods) Bill 2025. Would the Tánaiste support, at least in principle, the idea that workers in this country who refuse to handle, store or provide carriage of settlement goods - I have kept it at goods for this particular Bill - would be protected under the Unfair Dismissals Act from handling goods from occupied territories?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I very much get what the Deputy is endeavouring to do here. I say that in a constructive sense. He is trying to reflect the genuine concerns that people have across our country and the wish that everybody has to play every possible role they can in using every lever at their disposal. I am not against the principle of that at all but I have not truthfully considered or read the Bill in full. It is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Burke. I will ask the Minister to engage with Deputy Smith about the purpose of the Bill.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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Finally, on the transport of weapons through Irish airspace, we know, as Deputy Murphy said in his contribution earlier, that these end up going into the Department of Transport investigations black hole. Will the Tánaiste please commit to this House, and this is small, that he will ask the Department of Transport to expedite these investigations, to publish results, and to change and improve how it conducts these investigations, because they are a matter of the utmost seriousness with regard to the integrity of our skies and our airspace, and they cannot just go into that Department and never seem to come out?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Yes. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, about that too.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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Can I bring to the Tánaiste's attention something that he would be interested and concerned by? It has been confirmed to me that those Irish citizens detained have been denied access to lawyers. Adalah, which is a legal firm and civil society human rights organisation that represents people in these situations, stated:

Adalah has received phone calls from participants reporting that immigration authorities have already begun conducting hearings on their deportation and detention orders, in the Ashdod port. These proceedings were initiated without prior notice to their lawyers and while denying participants access to legal counsel. This constitutes a grave violation of due process and a denial of the participants' fundamental rights. Adalah will continue to seek access and will take legal action as necessary.

Will the Tánaiste briefly respond? It is unacceptable for Irish citizens or any citizens to be denied access to legal representation and it has to be condemned.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Yes, it is. The Deputy has the benefit of having slightly more information than I do since I have come into this House. Irish citizens having absolute access to legal representation is important. My understanding from my earlier call with our ambassador and others was that a number of our citizens had already identified potential sources of legal representation on the ground.

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

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I think that is what the Deputy is bringing me up to speed on. I will take that up as soon as I leave here.