Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Last week one of our most successful Irish traditional music groups, Dervish, was prevented from attending a concert in Israel. This was at the invitation of a peace activist who was attempting to promote peace and reconciliation. It came about as a result of intimidation and bullying on social networks by a group in this country which, for its own misguided reasons, believes that a cultural boycott will somehow enhance and improve the plight of the Palestinian people. I believe the overwhelming majority of the people totally oppose this action.

Ireland has a wonderful image abroad not only in the sporting field but primarily in the cultural field. Anyone who knows anything about Ireland will know about our music and culture, which we all hold dear. I cannot understand why any group representing a particular point of view would believe they could enhance their agenda but not realise the considerable damage they are doing to the image of Ireland abroad.

I understand that to date more than 250 musicians have now been embroiled in this so-called cultural boycott. There is no cultural boycott in this country and I would be grateful if the Deputy Leader would clarify, once and for all, that there is an even-handed approach to the Middle Eastern problem and that while we fully support and understand the plight of the Palestinians and the human rights abuses to which they are subject, there is another story, namely, the plight of Israelis under constant rocket attacks from across their borders and surrounded by hostile nations. Why is this group so silent when it comes to the outrageous human rights abuses that are currently being perpetrated in Syria? The reason is that Syria is one of the mentors of groups that represent the Palestinian cause. I call on the Deputy Leader to clarify the position. I believe she will have the support of the House. I am speaking for the vast majority of people in my party in condemning this attempt to introduce music and culture into politics. Certainly, it is not helping the Palestinian cause. I am pleased to say that the Palestinian Embassy in this country has disassociated itself from the action. This a dangerous development and I call on this group to desist from any further attempts.

I praise the Tánaiste for his actions. When a similar attempt was made last year to ensure that an Israeli film festival would not go ahead in the country, he and the Minister for Justice and Equality turned up as an act of solidarity and to inform people such as those in this group that through what they are trying to do they do not represent the overwhelming majority of the people. I ask them sincerely to desist from any future intimidation and bullying of Irish musicians and artists who wish to attend or to go abroad anywhere in the world, not only to Israel.