David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In recent days, the foreign affairs committee has held informal meetings with, among others, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, which is in charge of the situation in Palestine, to discuss the issues of the educational and medical needs of that vulnerable group of people in the Middle East. Yesterday, we met a group from the UK Parliament. One of its leaders was Sir Gerald Kaufman, a distinguished Jewish Member of Parliament. That group expressed great concern that Palestine had slipped off the international agenda. This would be dangerous, given the pressure being applied to people in Gaza, for example. We could be facing into another intifada if we are not careful and do not give people some degree of hope. This is particularly so given the volatile situation in neighbouring countries, especially Syria.

I am concerned by the rebalancing of priorities within what is now the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A previous manifestation of elements of this Government ensured that human rights were given a high priority, but that seems to have slipped.

Will the Leader bring this matter to the Government's attention? The Tánaiste is on board, but people do not realise. The European Parliament rewards Israel every time it misbehaves. This is astonishing. Operation Cast Lead was immediately followed by an improvement in trade relations. Human rights protocols have never operated. In the European Parliament today, there will be a vote on a pharmaceutical agreement. Israel is one of the largest producers of generic drugs, yet many of them are produced in settlement areas, which makes them illegal, yet favourable treatment is being given. We need generic drugs, but we cannot sacrifice human rights in this way. I am concerned and hope that people will keep this situation to the fore of their minds, even in these difficult times.

I am also concerned about the financial situation. The House could have continued monitoring the situation on a day like yesterday when we had little to debate. Perhaps the Leader could set an hour aside to review the financial situation. I was horrified at yesterday's news of 1.3 million Irish citizens having ¤50 or less disposable income at the end of each month. We are facing into a budget that will crucify them again. How can such people face tax increases and income cuts? I do not know. One cannot get blood out of a stone. Not even Chancellor Merkel can perform that particular miracle.

I will be distressed if there is no movement on the Mater Hospital. We must move. The children of Ireland are waiting and politicians are dithering. After reviewing the situation, I believed that the Mater Hospital was a good site that provided many co-location possibilities. When that option was thrown out, 30 proposers of various types came to the top of the pond like piranhas at the scent of meat. There are only two or three options. Let us make a decision.

I do not see any difficulty in the Tánaiste - who is coincidentally Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the leader of the junior coalition party - reviewing the issue. We would be holding him in contempt if he did not inform himself. There is nothing unconstitutional or illegal about it and it is a nonsense to suggest there is. This view was supported on the radio within the past hour by a spokesperson for the principal coalition party. Let us not make mischief about the children's hospital; we should make a decision and go ahead to build it.