Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We saw an unfortunate return to violence in the Middle East last week. It is quite clear how it started this time. Hamas launched a missile attack on an area of Israel 50 miles north of Gaza. The Israelis, as they always do, will react multiplied by ten. If this was the other way around and the aggressor had been Israel, we would have many statements in both Houses condemning it. However, there has been another resounding silence to this violence initiated by the Palestinian side. Clearly, Hamas is trying to disguise the fact that it is in very serious difficulties due to internal problems with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority. I will not engage in the business of condemning the last atrocity. It never worked in Ireland and will not work in this case. However, I ask the Leader to request that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade come to the House to make a statement on the Middle East and how he sees it progressing and, hopefully, coming to a peaceful resolution as quickly as possible.

It was interesting to note that the European Parliament adopted a proposal to abolish the practice of putting the clocks back, as we call it here, twice a year. It could not agree on whether we should be permanently in summer or winter time but it is worth noting that our former colleague, Feargal Quinn, a man with great imagination, was a pioneer on this issue and proposed this step many years ago. The Leader and the Cathaoirleach might join me in giving Mr. Quinn a clap on the back. Things are moving in his direction.