Israel's obligation to vaccinate Palestinians is clear under international law. The matter is not open to interpretation. Not only does the Geneva Convention dictate that the occupying power is responsible for the health and well-being of the occupied, the treaty, which is the bedrock of international law, specifically spells out an obligation to prevent the spread of pandemics. In the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, we have medical apartheid. Will the Taoiseach contact the Israeli Prime Minister directly and condemn the Israeli state for this breach of international law? Will this also be done through the UN Security Council of which Ireland is currently a member?

I am the Tánaiste so the Deputy will have to allow me take the matter up with the ambassador, rather than the Prime Minister of Israel who is no longer my counterpart. The point that the Deputy makes is exactly right. Israel is the occupying, controlling power in Palestinian territories and, therefore, has a duty and responsibility to provide basic healthcare, including vaccination against the pandemic. I will take that up with the Israeli ambassador.