Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

I would like to raise two issues, the first of which is the whole Gaza issue. I will be honest and say it is not something I get very exercised about. As Senator Cullinane said, among those on the trip to Gaza are two Sinn Féin councillors and a former Fianna Fáil Deputy. This is not the first aid mission to Gaza. Those involved know what happened the last time. They knew what would happen this time. We are now pleading for them to be released. They knew this would happen. What I really took from this mission was the message of the people on the ground in Gaza. People on the pier had placards telling the EU and the UN they need protection rather than aid. That is what they were asking for.