Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join with other Senators in welcoming the developments with regard to the strike. I am glad to hear Senator Ó Murchú recognise that there is unanimous agreement in the House that a strike would be a retrograde step. This point does not seem to have been picked up by all Senators. We welcome the developments and it is good news.

Will the Leader help with regard to the recent issue of humanitarian aid for Gaza? He may be aware that four containers from the Galway region have been held up by the authorities in Egypt. Is it possible for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to make efforts within the European Union to put pressure on the authorities to release this aid? There is a need for this aid to be released and to get through to the people of Gaza as soon as possible.

I wish to pick up on a point made by another Senator who made several swipes at the Labour Party this morning. Senator Alex White did not pick the panel for "The Late Late Show" last Friday night in the same way as Senators David Norris or Donie Cassidy did not pick the panel. Senator Alex White was asked to go on the panel which was picked by somebody else. Senator Alex White is a good defender of gender balance and he is excellent at speaking on minorities.