Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Notwithstanding the continuing and justifiable requests in recent weeks for a debate on Iraq, will the Leader consider providing time for an urgent debate on recent developments in Israel and the Gaza Strip? I make this request in light of the fact that the European Council of Ministers issued a statement earlier this week condemning the demolition of over 1,000 houses in Rafah and the subsequent homelessness this has caused, particularly among women and children. Once again the innocent are suffering. I have always taken the view, as has the House, in support of Government policy that we should be even-handed when dealing with matters in the region and that the Israeli state has every right to defend itself. However, we must also consider the question of human rights.