Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader consider having a brief debate on the plight of the Palestinians? While I know the time of the House is short, the situation in Palestine is serious. I wish to record that six Members of the Oireachtas — Senator John Paul Phelan, four Members of the Lower House and I — were challenged by Israeli troops in what was a serious incident in Hebron on 6 June. Only for the timely intervention of Dr. Niall Holohan and Colm O'Conaill, our representatives in Palestine, at least four by-elections might have been required, two for this House.

The Israeli troops were in a crouched firing position, armed with semi-automatic rifles. It was a serious situation, given that we were in an area close to the ancient mosque, from where all Palestinian residents have been removed, and we were practically on our own with some Palestinians. The Government may have to send a report to the Israelis about this matter.