Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I am assuming that is a yellow card which has been issued to the Chief Whip. I endorse all that has been said so far regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding off the coast of Israel, off the coast of the putative state of Palestine. In that context, it would be important that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade should come to the House. The Leader may correct me but I do not believe he has yet come to the House to debate Ireland's foreign policy in general since he was nominated to that position. I suggest the Leader might keep this in mind, especially now when, once again, Israel is flying in the face of international sentiment, as has been outlined.

It is not enough for the Israelis to say that humanitarian products can be transited through Israel. The state of Palestine is on the cusp of nationhood. In that context, a little-known revelation last week, which was not widely reported, is that UNESCO decided to fund Palestine. Such was the impact of this decision that the United States has withdrawn significant funding from that body which is the cultural organisation of the United Nations. Israel has also withdrawn funding from UNESCO and announced in the same breath that it would proceed with further illegal settlements which are in contravention of several UN resolutions going back to 1967. I question if Israel is really concerned about promoting peace and stability in that region.

Those decisions, coupled with what is going on right now, as has been outlined - the humanitarian crisis and the degrading manner in which Irish citizens are being treated - hardly support the Israeli cause. Why are the Israelis shooting themselves in the foot once again? I ask the Leader to convey to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the strong sentiment of this House and to emphasise the support we are giving to the Irish citizens in question. The Minister should call in the Israeli ambassador to the Republic of Ireland today to convey our anger about Israel's unacceptable policy towards Irish citizens. He should look for an immediate response.

I wish to conclude by seconding the amendment to the Order of Business that was moved by Senator O'Brien.