Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish Jeremy and George well. Best wishes in your new role, Jeremy. For George, it is like replacing Alex Ferguson after his time at Manchester United. He has big shoes to fill, as has been said. Best wishes to both of you.

My colleague, Senator Ruane, brought up the issue of the peaceful protest yesterday by Mothers Against Genocide and the fact that protestors were removed. It is of concern to me that the Government, An Garda Síochána and the media are becoming increasingly hostile to anyone who criticises Israel or the genocide that is taking place in the Gaza Strip. The Government needs to pass the occupied territories Bill and the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023 and support justice in Palestine and the Gaza Strip. Peace will then follow. It is important to note that there has been a chilling effect on people who are critical of Israel and critical of the genocide that apartheid Israel is carrying out. It is also important to note that the media are really critical and hostile towards people who are critical of the genocide, and now the Government seems to be rowing in behind that narrative. It is very concerning that peaceful protestors from Mothers Against Genocide were removed in that way yesterday.