Beidh mé ag roinnt ama leis na Teachtaí Crowe, McGuinness agus Bennett nuair a thagann siad.
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We mark Europe Day today, which reflects the history of and how the European Union came to be, and the very significant role it has played in Irish politics and history. We reflect on the positive elements of our relationship with the European Union as well as the areas of concern that require to be addressed. It is Sinn Féin's view and policy that Ireland's place is in the EU, but it is also our view - I see the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, smiling.
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Perhaps he would like to clarify.
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Is there a particular point the Minister of State would like to make?
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I would like the Minister of State to elaborate.
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I invite the Minister to comment because I have heard him and some of his colleagues attempt to make mischief with Sinn Féin's analysis of the European Union. It is not terribly complicated: it is possible to be in an organisation and to criticise it. It is possible to retain the view that Ireland should be in the EU and to say that things could go better, for example, in terms of foreign policy or the balance between sovereignty and international co-operation. It is not terribly complicated. Perhaps the next time the Minister of State has a debate with a Sinn Féin representative, he might consider that it is not such a complex position. In fact, I suspect it is a view shared by the majority of the Irish public. We are for a European Union that works better for the people of Ireland and the people of Europe. We are also for a European Union that supports its member states, listens to what those states need and understands that most decisions are better taken as close as possible to the communities affected by them. It is important that the European Union focuses on what matters to workers and families: the cost-of-living crisis, improving workers' wages and conditions, regional development, economic development and enabling young people to work, study and travel throughout the Union. There are times when the European Union has played a positive role in Ireland. The approach that was taken by the EU on Brexit was very important. However, at other times the Union has not always helped itself or its reputation. Many people in Ireland still bear the scars of the austerity approach taken by the leadership of the European Union. As we discuss EU policies, it is also important that we reflect upon its current role in the Middle East. What is happening in Gaza is an absolute atrocity. It is catastrophic. We have often heard the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Taoiseach, as well as various previous Ministers for Foreign Affairs, talk about a two-state solution. It seems that Israel is trying to permanently undermine the viability of a two-state solution. Food, aid and medicine are blocked from getting into Gaza in the face of human suffering and a humanitarian catastrophe of a kind that we have not witnessed in a long time. This is going on almost two years into this catastrophe, and it continues to escalate. The blockade has continued for some two months. The EU's voice during these events has been weakened by its failure to speak for its values throughout this series of barbaric human rights abuses and offences. Israel continues on this route because it has been allowed to act with impunity. Many European states have had very little to say. At times, the Irish Government has made stronger statements than some of its European peers. We have welcomed that when it has happened, but it is time for more to be said. I listened with interest to what the former Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, said in this Chamber a couple of weeks ago. He stated that since the election the Government has perhaps drawn back from previous positions. Now is not the time for that. I cannot read the mind of the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne or the mind of the Tánaiste. I will not attempt to do so. If there is any sense that Ireland has done enough, surely in the context of what is happening at this moment in time, that cannot continue. The Government is looking at watering down the occupied territories Bill. That should not happen and the Government should not walk away from it. The Bill must be pursued. We have ten minutes of our time remaining and as I am not sure whether the other speakers will arrive I might continue for another two minutes.
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I emphasise once again that the European Union must play a much stronger role. It was a source of great concern that it took so long to get a meeting to discuss the EU-Israel agreement. The fact is that favourable trade arrangements remain in place. I note the role of the EPP in voting against stopping the flow of arms to Israel. The Government's approach to the triple lock neutrality protection puts our neutrality at risk. The EU should respect Ireland's neutrality. It has always explicitly stated that is the case but it is incumbent on the Government to continue to stand up for Irish neutrality. The current approach to the triple lock neutrality protection will undermine that.
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