Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the safe release of Irish citizens from Israel and commend the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, for their very steady handling of the issue. They have indicated to the Israeli Government where Ireland stands on it and on the deaths of the nine Turkish citizens. On the issue of passports, the Government has called in the people responsible for forging Irish passports. We should also bear in mind that the situation in Gaza stems from the Hamas regime breaking away from Fatah. Unfortunately, there is no unity among the Palestinians, which is adding to the problem. I appeal to the Hamas regime to recognise the right of the State of Israel to exist. It has denied this right and its policy is to destroy the state of Israel. This has given the Israelis an excuse to impose an embargo, lay siege to Gaza and carry out atrocities there. Some 1.5 million people are prisoners in Gaza.

I ask the Leader to express to the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Fachtna Murphy, and members of the Garda Síochána our congratulations for their excellent work last week, in conjunction with the Spanish and Belgian police forces and others further afield. It was a very sophisticated and successful Interpol and European Union operation. We cannot prejudge but at least action is being taken against the criminals invovled on the costa. I compliment the journalist, Paul Williams, formerly of The Sunday World and now of The News of the World, on his thorough investigation of their activities. I compliment him on his courageous work, as well as all other members of the media who have highlighted the issue and assisted the Garda Síochána which we owe a great debt of gratitude for the courage and conviction of its members. Those who use heroin, cocaine and other substances are assisting the criminals in question to amass vast fortunes.