Let me begin by saying something very clearly: the humanitarian situation in Gaza is heartbreaking. The loss of innocent civilian life, the suffering of families, the destruction of homes, schools and hospitals and the terrible impact of this conflict on ordinary people should concern every decent person. We in Independent Ireland condemn violence against civilians where it occurs and we support every effort to achieve a just peace and lasting resolution to this conflict. Nobody should mistake our amendment for indifference. It is not. However, we believe that we must also recognise another important principle: sport should not become a tool of political direction by Government or opposition. The Sinn Féin motion seeks to place the Football Association of Ireland and Irish athletes at the centre of an international political dispute. We do not believe that is fair. Irish sports people have devoted years of their lives to representing their country. They have trained, sacrificed and worked tirelessly for the opportunity to compete at the highest level. They should not be asked to carry the burden of resolving conflicts that are far beyond their control. If international sporting sanctions are to be imposed, those decisions should be made by the recognised international sporting authorities. UEFA and FIFA exist precisely to govern international football and to make decisions regarding participation, suspension and fixtures. Whether people agree with their decisions or not, those are the bodies charged with that responsibility. Governments should not be dictating who national teams play. Political parties should not be deciding which fixtures go ahead. Once we cross that line, sports risk becoming another battleground for political disputes rather than a space where people from different backgrounds can come together. Political parties are long enough in this Dáil saying religion and politics should not go together. Now it is time there is a separation between sports and politics. We must also consider the wider consequences.

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Excuse me, I did not interrupt you when you were speaking.

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I did not interrupt you.

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A unilateral refusal to participate in fixtures could have serious implications for Irish football. It could affect our players, our supporters, our future participation in competitions and even Ireland's reputation as a host nation for international sporting events. Those consequences would not fall on politicians. They would fall on athletes, fans and sporting organisations. Our amendment takes a balanced approach. It acknowledges the genuine concerns expressed by many people regarding the conflict. It recognises the importance of international law and protection of civilians but it also recognises that responsibilities for resolving international political conflicts should not be placed on the shoulders of Irish footballers. Where there are concerns around public order or safety surrounding fixtures, those matters should be addressed properly. That is why our amendment calls for a comprehensive security assessment involving Government Departments, An Garda Síochána and the FAI, with consideration given to matches being played behind closed doors if necessary. Sport should unite people, not divide them. We can stand for peace, human rights and humanitarian principles while also respecting the independence of sporting organisations and protecting the interests of Irish athletes. I welcome the fact the Government now appears to have adopted a position put forward by Independent Ireland's amendment. While there may be differences elsewhere in the motion, on the central question of sport, the Government has arrived on the same conclusion we did. We all recognise the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to stand up for international law but we also recognise that Irish athletes should not be punished for events beyond their control. Decisions on international fixtures belong to the FAI, UEFA and FIFA. Sport should unite people and not become another battlefield for political disputes. That is why we are putting forward our amendment here this evening.

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