David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I join previous speakers in calling for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to the House to discuss the serious situation in Gaza and the Middle East generally. We all respect and accept Senator Quinn's view that a balanced response is needed and we must take a balanced view of developments in that part of the world. The difficulty is that Israel's response to events in Gaza is not remotely balanced. Israeli air strikes have been indiscriminate and have killed civilians. They are not proportionate or balanced and cannot be described as such.

The root causes of the conflict in the Middle East are an illegal occupation, illegal settlements, severe poverty in the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank, the continued existence of refugee camps in which people are treated appallingly, and the flouting of UN resolutions by Israel, almost on a daily basis. Israel does not have any respect for international law and the rule of law and frequently operates as a rogue state. It imposes an illegal blockade on Gaza and it is reported to be planning an invasion of Gaza. Would such action create more violence? Most reasonable people will agree that it has the potential to do so. An international focus and response is required on this issue and the State of Israel must face up to its responsibilities.

If the Leader is willing to arrange a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I ask that we also discuss the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. On 17 May 1974, 34 people lost their lives-----