It is obvious that this House, and indeed the people of Ireland, have significant concerns about Israeli actions in Palestine and the dire and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. I reiterate that Israeli actions in Palestine consistently contravene international law and the Government continues to press for appropriate action at EU and international level in response to Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. The prevention by Israel of essential and sufficient humanitarian aid going into the people of Gaza, the continued facilitation of violent settlers in the West Bank, and the appalling displacement of so many people in Lebanon, is completely unacceptable. Ireland had taken a strong stance in respect of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including recognising the State of Palestine, and the Government stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, through the realisation of the two-state solution. The Government believes that the most effective and impactful way to deal with Israel's actions is at European Union level. We have a consistently strong record as a country in highlighting these issues but also in taking action on a number of fronts. It is clear that the European Union needs to do more on this issue, and the Taoiseach has written to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, asking that it would be put on the table at the next European Council meeting. We will coninue to raise this at EU level. We will also continue to use our influence to persuade the international community to take appropriate action and stop this conflict. However, we should not reduce this issue to one or two football games or events. For good reasons, governments should not interfere with international sports federations or NGBs, particularly by directing who should play whom in international sporting events. FIFA, the world football governing body, and UEFA, the European football governing body, are responsible for the system within which these fixtures are scheduled to take place and maintain a strong line against interference by governments in international football competitions. We do not want to see an Irish team penalised due to interference by an Irish government. We are in government to run the country. The FAI should be left to run football. In this regard, the FAI has strongly represented the views of its membership that Israel should be excluded from international football competitions, including bringing a motion to UEFA to this effect last year. While we all may agree with the motion, the reality is that it was not passed by UEFA, and the FAI must conduct itself in line with UEFA rules. While deciding whether to fulfil these fixtures is ultimately a matter for the FAI, it must be acknowledged that refusing to play the games against Israel risks isolating Irish football from the international football community. The FAI's role is to ensure that Irish football remains viable domestically and in good standing globally, without inflicting long-term damage on the sport. Punishing athletes for the actions of governments undermines the principles of international sportsmanship. Players have trained their entire lives to compete for their country at the highest level. Denying Irish footballers the opportunity to compete in the Nations League compromises their careers and development. The Irish players, who have brought us such joy in the past year and who have dedicated so much to representing their country, should not be denied the opportunity to compete at major international tournaments as a consequence of decisions beyond their control. With regard to security around the home leg of the fixture in Dublin, the FAI is engaging with An Garda Síochána, which is confident in its ability to deliver a safe and secure environment to facilitate the fixture should it take place in Dublin. Should the first fixture take place in Dublin, which again is ultimately a matter for the FAI and UEFA, I am fully confident that An Garda Síochána has the expertise and resources to police the game properly. As has been pointed out during this debate, all NGBs, including the FAI, are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of fixtures. The FAI is completely within its rights to fulfil its international fixtures, and the Government acknowledges its right to do so. The Government has no legal authority to interfere with sporting fixtures and our amendment to the motion reflects that position. The Government proposes to amend the wording of this motion, as submitted to the House. I wish the ladies’ football team well tonight. It is playing a very important game. We are in here discussing soccer and I am very disappointed in all the Members across the House. Not one wished the Irish ladies football team well bar one – the Minister of State here-----

Sentiment score: 0.15

-----but I wish the women well in their game tonight.

Sentiment score: 0.59