Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In my capacity as party spokesperson on foreign affairs and trade, I ask the Deputy Leader to note my view that President Trump's placing of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem is a grave error and creates great risk of another conflagration in the Middle East. It has to be regretted. I am happy the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, has dealt with this publicly and expressed his concern about it. Jerusalem is looked to by both the Palestinian and Israeli communities as their capital. We support, as do the UN resolutions, a two-state solution to this conflict. We support ongoing peaceful negotiations. We are concerned about the social and economic conditions of the Palestinian people. As spokesperson, I unequivocally and openly express my annoyance, my opposition to it and my desire that it might be the subject of discussion in the House in a more formalised way, if that could be facilitated.

I take a more nuanced approach to the PESCO question than did Senator Craughwell. While not questioning his personal bona fides, we must be vigilant with PESCO to ensure Irish neutrality is preserved and that we do not enter military alliances. Although I am in favour of security co-operation and maintaining peace, I am not in favour of blindly walking into military alliances. This needs vigilance. I ask the Deputy Leader to secure a visit by the Taoiseach or the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to the House in order this can become subject of more debate. We certainly should have a more nuanced position. I support Senator Gavan in this regard. I do not think we can take it as simply as that.

With regard to Senator Gallagher's remarks on Garda Michael Clerkin, I am personally delighted to congratulate the Clerkin family. I have supported this for some time and have indicated this support in a number of ways in the past. It is long overdue that Garda Clerkin be recognised for his bravery. I am delighted he is to get the Scott medal. It is a tragedy he will not be there himself to receive it. He was a man of valour and quality and we are proud he was a native County Monaghan. The incident in which Garda Clerkin lost his life happened in the constituency of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, and I presume he was central to this exercise.