Tá an Teachta Martin Daly ag glacadh Ceist Uimh. 8 faoi choinne an Teachta Ó Cearúil.

Sentiment score: 0.00

6. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on any recent engagement his Department has had with the EU regarding Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4541/25]

Sentiment score: 0.16

I wish the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, well in their roles. Sinn Féin will hold them to account. When we see what is happening geopolitically, there is no shortage of issues that need to be dealt with. The Tánaiste spoke earlier about Sudan and the issues Donald Trump has spoken about that relate to tariffs. I am asking specifically about governmental engagement on the ongoing issues in Palestine. We know about the dangers in relation to the ceasefire, the commentary from America that has not been helpful and the attacks that are ongoing in the West Bank at this time.

Sentiment score: -0.04

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Tánaiste. Obviously, anything that helps the people who have been under absolute genocidal slaughter is to be welcomed. I accept that the Government has spoken strongly and probably, at times, has been among very few with regard to the plight of the Palestinian people. We have stated explicitly that we believe we have to do everything we can as a State. We would much prefer that action was taken at a European level, particularly when you talk about holding Israel to account. I do not think there is any doubt but that we need to follow through with the occupied territories Bill. I am somewhat worried, with regard to the Tánaiste's commentary, in the sense that the only promise at this point in time is on goods but we have to look at services. We cannot have people profiting from modern-day colonisation and genocide. It is just not acceptable in any way, shape or form. I would like to know how the communication with our European partners goes on. I understand they are coming from a different place.

Sentiment score: 0.08

I do not necessarily buy the whole excuse regarding the Holocaust, particularly when we are dealing with this issue. I would like to know how that engagement goes on.

Sentiment score: 0.37

We all agree that we want to see the release of all hostages and that we want to ensure the ceasefire is maintained. Whatever happens, we are incredibly afraid that we are getting further and further away from the room and space for a two-state solution for peace, freedom and democracy, which basically will both benefit the Palestinians and provide real security, as Israel often talks about. We recall in our own peace process and earlier stages of the Middle East peace process that there was, at times, beneficial American involvement. There is nothing to be seen in that sense at the minute and our fears are that circumstances are going to get worse. We have spoken many times on the EU-Israel association agreement. What are the chances and possibilities of moving this on? There are humanitarian conditions which are being breached every day of the week-----

Sentiment score: 0.36

-----and we do need to see movement because it is a failure by the European Union.

Sentiment score: -0.51

Hear, hear.

Sentiment score: 0.00