Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is very generous of you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. That is the spirit and the mood of the House. We all recognise that. Before I respond to some of the issues raised and speak about the issue more generally, for the benefit of the House I would like to focus more specifically on humanitarian aid, because it is my specific brief as Minister of State with responsibility for international development.

As we all know, over the course of the past 18 months, we have witnessed the unfolding of a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions in Gaza. It is not a new catastrophe, but it has moved to a certain level that none of us ever envisaged, in particular those in the House who have been long-time campaigners in this area. I am not one of those. I acknowledge Senators Black and Andrews. I remember Senator Andrews and I attending an event in Ballinteer St. John's GAA club a number of years ago when he brought a young football team from Gaza.