It is Brendan Griffin.
Sentiment score: 0.00
He is a former Minister of State.
Sentiment score: 0.00
I have met the former Minister of State many times but to have an Olympic gold medallist looking down on us is indeed an honour for us all. I congratulate Mr. Wiffen on all his work, what he has done for the country and how he raised the country's spirits during his time. His talent has inspired many people in this country. I thank him for being present and for taking the time to come to watch us in the Chamber. To move to more pressing matters and the matter we came here today to discuss, I believe that Ireland has been and continues to be on the right side of history in relation to the oppression in Palestine. On 28 May 2024, Ireland recognised the State of Palestine, which was a huge step. Ireland committed new funding of €42 million for the people of Palestine for 2026 and many millions of this funding has already been provided. Ireland has provided a total of over €112 million in support of the people of Palestine since January 2023. Over €100 million of Irish support has been provided since October 2023. By the end of 2026, Ireland will have provided €144 million since January 2023. Indeed, Ireland's 2026 support continues a commitment of €20 million in core funding to UNRWA this year, bringing our total support to €78 million. The people of Palestine know that we are on their side. We have shown that support through our words but also through our funding. We are now taking the next step. The countries of Europe also know that we are on the side of the Palestinians. Indeed, the Americans know it too. As I have outlined, we have led internationally and we continue to show solidarity with the people of Palestine through this Bill. We also need to ensure that the message goes out clearly from this Chamber that the Irish Government is against the occupation of these territories and the ongoing oppression taking place there. However, I am also conscious that some of the words used here may be wilfully misconstrued and echo differently in the political halls of Washington and the corporate rooms of America, where they might impact jobs in this country. I want to highlight businesses like Intel in my hometown of Leixlip, which the Taoiseach has previously referenced in this Chamber in relation to this matter. The Leixlip Intel campus employs 5,000 workers directly and many more indirectly. We need to ensure that people there are not impacted by loose language used by Opposition Members and that we make clear the goal of this Bill so that it cannot be used against us as a country. While Ireland is showing leadership, real change will only happen if the rest of the EU and other countries take the same brave stance the Irish Government is taking. Surely, the Chamber should recognise that.
Sentiment score: 0.34