I thank Deputy Stanley and his staff for bringing forward this motion in defence of neutrality. Maintaining our neutrality has never been more important. From Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan to the escalating tensions in Iran and the wider Middle East conflict, we are facing an era of overlapping conflict, instability, displacement and humanitarian crisis. Millions of people are being affected by war, famine, instability and devastating consequences that extend far beyond borders. Rather than becoming desensitised, now more than ever we must stand in solidarity with the communities impacted by conflict and support all efforts towards peace and resolution. At a time of growing instability, our voice is more important than ever. Our longstanding experience of conflict resolution can play a vital role. As a country we have the experience and skills to offer peace building, diplomacy and dialogue. At a time of deep division, these are the qualities that are most needed. However, we can only play this role from a position of neutrality where our voices remain credible, independent and focused on peace. Neutrality fosters trust. The importance of this cannot be underestimated. I cannot understand why Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are so keen to undermine our neutrality, particularly in recent years. What do they think can be achieved by this? Nothing, as it will not help us in any way. A military approach has repeatedly failed to deliver lasting peace in many of the world's conflict zones. It has done nothing but deepen divisions and cause further suffering. We can honestly say that increased military intervention and increased defence spending in the EU and on an international level has brought no closure to conflicts - absolutely nothing. It is clear that many interventions have contributed to further escalations of human suffering, prolonged conflict and diverted focus away from the most important issues of diplomatic solutions and productive dialogue. I am not convinced that the countries staging such interventions are motivated by peace or humanitarian concerns. Strategic interests, economic priorities or outrageous displays of power often shape international responses in conflict. Why would we want to play a part in this? We would threaten our reputation as a neutral country by being involved in this. It is much better to be a peace builder. We have nothing to offer in terms of military power but we can offer much more than other countries can. Our strengths have always been peacekeeping and speaking out against injustice and oppression, not military might. This is something we should be proud of. Maintaining our neutrality does not mean that we remain silent or condone the atrocities occurring across the world. Neutrality should not be mistaken for indifference. We must continue to stand firmly for human rights, international law and protection of innocent people while doing everything within our power to sanction the countries that are against human rights. The Minister of State has the opportunity to do the right thing tonight by voting in favour of Deputy Boyd Barrett's Sanctions against the State of Israel Bill 2025. Sanctions are important measures in holding these perpetrators accountable. They have a far more meaningful impact than abandoning our neutrality would have. If we keep on going the way we are going, we are heading for an almighty dark era in our country. Abandoning our neutrality only serves to facilitate wars. It does nothing to support victims. We always have been and always will be outspoken on international matters. As a country, we have always cared deeply for colonised and displaced people across the world. People in Ireland have always been most vocal, particularly when we are supporting Gaza. We absolutely can hold our neutrality while also standing for human rights and dignity. The Government likes to tell us that this is not the case in one way or another. The Irish people have long valued and supported policies of neutrality. Recent polls show that 71% of people think Irish neutrality should be added to the Constitution. We should start to listen to people. We can start listening to people tonight by supporting the Sanctions against the State of Israel Bill 2025 tonight.

Sentiment score: 0.15