Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I received a letter today and I will quote just one sentence from it, "Please do not allow international humanitarian law in relation to Gaza to be dismantled on your watch; it will be a stain on Europe forever." How true those words are.

The other day, the President addressed the National Famine Commemoration 2025, at which a number of my colleagues on the left were present, as, indeed, was the Cathaoirleach also. I took time to reflect on what the President had to say and I looked on his office's website this morning to be 100% sure of the facts I wish to quote. In his address, the President of Ireland referred to “forced starvation”. He said “Famine is a horrific reality in so many parts of the world” and “is a great human failure”, and he referred to “starvation being used as an instrument of war”.

I drew from that analogy and conversation about An Gorta Mór how, when we look back on it now and revisit history, it was nuanced genocide. In many ways, it feeds into our learning and past experience of why we Irish people have gone to the front line and why we have been strong advocates for human rights and a humanitarian response. Our spirits were never quenched. Yes, many of our hearts were broken and our families were dispersed, but we know one thing about the Irish diaspora: it unites around a common cause. I give great credit today to Irish humanitarian workers across the country and across the world.

The intense escalation of the use of weapons and destruction in Gaza is resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. It is horror played out on our television screens every night. I will finish with these few words. Too many voices remain silent in this House, in the Dáil and in the European Parliament. The supply of humanitarian aid must never be a condition of political or military aims. Starvation must never be allowed to be used as a bargaining chip. Joined by my colleagues, I call on the Leader to discuss with the Government the importance of having a debate in Seanad Éireann on the situation in Gaza and the international humanitarian response that must be called up to support people.