Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Fianna Fáil Party supports the Bill. The parliamentary party has decided the Bill has merit in sending a message to Israel that we are not satisfied with developments in Palestine and not impressed by the oppression of the Palestinians and the way they have been treated like dirt in their own country. Irish people have experience of being treated in a similar manner and know that action must be taken on the issue. Fianna Fáil has a long history of commitment to the Palestinian issue and no party has worked harder to seek a resolution. At one stage, the late Brian Lenihan Snr was the only Minister in the European Union to call for recognition of the right of the Palestinians to self-determination. That stance was not popular with other European Union member state, but he was visionary. I recommend that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Coveney, take a similar stance. I know that his heart is in the right place, that he is dong his utmost and that he is courageous.

I went to the Gaza Strip with Senator David Norris who I commend for making one of the most emotional speeches I had heard in the House since I was first elected 16 years ago. I commend him for the genuine sincerity he has displayed for a very long time and the commitment he has made to the people of Palestine. I also recognise the work of former Senator Michael Lanigan-----