Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

Today marks the second anniversary of the horrendous and brutal attack by Hamas on the innocent attendees at the Nova music festival. It resulted in more than 1,200 people losing their lives and more than 250 people being taken hostage. Since then, more than 66,000 or 67,000 Palestinians have been murdered. The genocide, the famine and the horrendous war that have ensued defy words and defy description. On the anniversary, I want us to think of all those who have been hurt, all those who have lost loved ones and all those who continue to suffer and endure inhumane treatment and conditions and call for a meaningful, lasting ceasefire, a release of all the hostages, an unfettered and unrestricted release of humanitarian aid into Palestine and to the people of Palestine, and a permanent solution for two states to live side by side. There will be statements in the House later on the budget. Budget day is not what it used to be. It used to be a big reveal. I hope this House will engage in a meaningful debate on the initiatives that have been taken in this budget to try to ensure there is real investment in lasting, sustainable public infrastructure in order that we can ensure our economic and social sustainability into the future.

We are in Dublin city and, for the month that is in it, I remind the House that Dublin City Council is again running a fantastic festival of history in the capital. Dublin City Council and Dublin City Libraries run the festival. They put on a fantastic programme of free events suitable for all age groups and all interests in our libraries, public buildings and public spaces. I encourage every Member of the House to familiarise themselves with the programme and take full advantage of it before next weekend because it is a great festival. We are steeped in history and heritage in the capital. Dublin City Council does a very fine job in promoting it with this festival. I want to encourage all Members to support it.