Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with colleagues in condemning the appalling loss of life in the past week in Gaza and in Israel. I echo the call to invite the Tánaiste to the House for a discussion on that worsening crisis, particularly in light of our history of conflict and the contribution Ireland could make to resolve it.

There is no way to dress this up. We have witnessed acts of unacceptable terrorism by both sides in the past few days. I call on both sides to co-operate with those who trying to bring an end to hostilities, in particular, the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon. I also call on the international community to throw its weight behind the efforts to bring about a long-term solution. The actions of the Israelis in striking against the Palestinians in the past week are totally unacceptable, but Hamas is exploiting vulnerable people in Gaza to achieve its own aims and objectives, similar to what we witnessed in this country over a period of 30 years. This is a major international crisis in which some of the most powerful countries are involved in some way or other and on which I urge the Leader to organise a debate as soon as possible with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Will the Leader also organise in the coming months a debate on broadcasting standards and, in particular, the quality of home-made programmes? The programme referred to, "Love/Hate", is shockingly violent. I do not know if the public good is served by the airing of such a violent and horrible programme. There are other programmes on which we might like to comment at a future date.