Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)

There has been a lot of discussion in the media about Kneecap and what its members said or did not say. It is important to note that they did issue an apology. I find it incredible that the Taoiseach would take time out to criticise Kneecap, yet I have not once heard him criticise Benjamin Netanyahu. Benjamin Netanyahu is overseeing the slaughter and genocide in Gaza - the killing of tens of thousands of people. While the Taoiseach may have been critical of Israel, his actions show that he is complicit in the slaughter and genocide in Gaza.The Taoiseach's criticism of Kneecap is stronger than it has been of genocidal Benjamin Netanyahu. There are 200 journalists who have been killed and murdered in the Gaza Strip by Israel, yet the media is focused on Kneecap and what they have or have not said. I find it absolutely bizarre that, on the one hand, we can have genocide in Gaza and, on the other, we have the Taoiseach and media focused on Kneecap. The Taoiseach is holding Kneecap to a higher standard than genocidal Netanyahu. I have not heard the Taoiseach criticise Keir Starmer or Giorgia Meloni who have been complicit in facilitating genocide, yet he takes time to criticise Kneecap. As I said, it is insane. The reason for this is the Taoiseach and many in the media are looking to close down any discussion or criticism of Israel. The Taoiseach needs to come in to the House and explain how he considers Kneecap more dangerous than genocidal Israel.