Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)

I second Senator Keogan's amendment to the Order of Business today regarding the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025.

I also rise to call for an urgent discussion, as my colleagues did earlier, on the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Two nights ago, I was asked to meet the families who have just arrived in Ireland from Gaza. Many of them were carrying unimaginable trauma. There were many children there who have come here for medical intervention. They did not choose where they were born and they are now innocent victims of this horrific situation. Among the young children were many who had lost their limbs - their arms or legs - and many with missing eyes. Their innocence has been totally stripped away from them by this war. The scale of this crisis goes way beyond our comprehension and we cannot turn away from this suffering.

The conflict must come to an end. There are no winners in this war, only loss, and we will see generations devastated by this tragedy. We have seen first-hand in our own country with the Troubles in Northern Ireland that peace is the only viable way forward. I call on Israel to cease its military operations and join whatever diplomatic table in order that we can bring peace and stop this humanitarian disaster. I also call on Hamas to release the hostages taken on 7 October. Their continued captivity only deepens the wounds of this conflict and prolongs suffering on all sides.

Ireland has stood as a voice for peace, justice and human rights. In this Chamber, we must reaffirm our commitment to diplomatic solutions. We must ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need and stand in unwavering solidarity with those calling for an end to violence.