Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to allow a debate on the report published last week by the United Nations on the situation in Gaza. One of those involved in this investigation was Colonel Desmond Travers, a retired Army officer. The report concluded that the Israeli forces engaged in war crimes and human rights abuses in Gaza. The European Union has a preferential trade agreement with Israel, Article 2 of which specifies that the latter must observe human rights within its jurisdiction. Some 80% of Israel's trade is with the European Union. If the Union is not willing to uphold clauses within its own treaties, it cannot expect others to respect those provisions. The need to uphold such principles is especially acute where a body such as the United Nations, one of the most respected institutions in the world, has stated that human rights abuses took place. As such, the European Union should suspend all preferential trade with Israel.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to the House to discuss the siting of mobile telephone masts? A clause in Kerry County Council's development plan, supported by all councillors, stipulates that masts should not be located close to schools or hospitals. However, notwithstanding the rejection by Kerry County Council of a planning application for the erection of a mast at Annascaul and the subsequent inspector's report upholding that refusal, permission was ultimately granted by An Bord Pleanála. This has led to a stand-off, including a boycott by all Kerry concrete suppliers in an effort to prevent the base being erected. We must have a national policy in regard to the siting of mobile telephone masts. The European Environment Agency has advocated caution given the growing evidence of mobile telephones and masts causing a potential threat to human health. I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate with the Minister which should include consideration of a nationwide provision similar to Kerry County Council's 1 km rule in respect of the siting of all masts but bearing in mind the need to provide broadband.

I am sure the Cathaoirleach is delighted that the Kerry football team was victorious in last weekend's All-Ireland final.