Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange for an early debate in respect of the situation in the Middle East. Regular debates were held on the subject during the last Seanad but, to my mind, Members have not had a recent debate in this regard. I raise this issue in particular with regard to the situation in Gaza where 25 Palestinians were murdered or slaughtered by the force of the Israeli army and air force. While I acknowledge that approximately 200 missiles were sent from Gaza into southern Israel and that one action leads to another in that part of the world, the force used in this regard certainly was excessive. I note and welcome the arrangement of a temporary ceasefire. The situation in Gaza, Syria and Iran is grave at present and, in this context, I note the re-establishment of the Friends of Palestine in the Oireachtas group, of which I am the convener. I am very pleased by the number of people who have involved themselves in this organisation, which works to ensure there will be a two-state solution of Israel and Palestine.

I commend the excellent work of the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, Deputy Martin, who was the first foreign minister to visit Gaza. I also compliment the work of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, who is continuing Deputy Martin's work for peace in the Middle East and who is doing an excellent job in this regard. I ask them to continue their work because, while the setbacks that occur so regularly in that particular region are frustrating, one must not despair.

We must continue to work to bring about a solution in the Middle East. Such a solution must primarily and fundamentally be about the establishment of the state of Palestine alongside Israel in peace and harmony. All other conflicts arise from that issue, which must be resolved. The position in Syria also is extremely grave and I note the entire region, including Iran, is extremely volatile. This House has a proud record in respect of the Middle East. Ireland is an honest broker and has no vested interest in the region. From the outset, we have been there as peacemakers and our troops have served in the Lebanon, on the Golan Heights and elsewhere in that region. Consequently, I again ask the Deputy Leader to consider arranging for an early debate in this regard. I must condemn the activities of the State of Israel in respect of the assassination of 25 people in Gaza.