Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business.Senators Seery Kearney and Malcolm Byrne spoke about the situation in Ukraine and the fact that events in the Middle East have somewhat eclipsed what is continuing to happen in Ukraine. I have requested a debate with the Tánaiste on the situation in Ukraine. We will get that scheduled at the earliest opportunity to keep the issue on the agenda here.

Senators O'Loughlin and Fitzpatrick spoke about the Irish citizens who are making their way through the Rafah crossing as we speak, which is welcome news. I, too, listened to the interview on RTÉ Radio 1 this morning and heard the person describe the bittersweet feeling of getting out and getting his children out but leaving behind family and friends who are not in that fortunate position. It must be a very difficult position to be in.

Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about the situation regarding the Israeli ambassador, as did Senator Gavan, and the need for diplomacy. There is a live situation in Gaza. An Irish citizen is being held hostage by Hamas and there are Irish citizens we are trying to get out of Gaza and the Middle East. Not having that connection and diplomatic link, to which Senator McDowell also referred, would make the job of getting our people out almost impossible. While it may be popular to call for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and I am sure it goes down well with many people, the reality is the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Government are actively trying to get our people out of that area. If the Irish ambassador to Israel were to be expelled, which would happen if we expelled the Israeli ambassador, it would make that job almost impossible. That would be unconscionable. It is not realistic or a pragmatic approach. As Senator O'Loughlin rightly pointed out, if we thought for a second that expelling the Israeli ambassador would bring peace and a ceasefire and save lives, we might be inclined to do something like that. In reality, it would have no positive impact on the situation, however. I can only assume those advocating for it believe it would be popular with some people and might go down well. It is not something any government could do when they are trying to deal with a live situation, however.