A Palestinian journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, was executed by apartheid Israel. Israel knew that the eyes of the world were on it. Yet, it still executed Shireen. The Government has condemned this act, but what is the point of condemnation without consequences? It is because of the reluctance of the Government and the EU to impose consequences on Israel for its terror, that the latter carries out acts like the execution of a journalist. The reality is that the Government is complicit in the murder of Shireen. That is because Ireland stands and watches. Ireland’s acts allow Israel to act with impunity in carrying out these acts of terror. What will the consequences be for apartheid Israel for executing a journalist?

I ask that the Deputy withdraw the remark that the Government is complicit in the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh. That is a disgraceful remark.

The Government did nothing to prevent it.

Let the Taoiseach answer.

Through the Chair. That is a disgraceful remark.

What has the Government done to-----

Ireland, under successive Governments, has done more than most countries. I have been there, because I served as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ireland has been one of the strongest European Union countries in condemning Israeli activity.

What are the consequences?

Not only that, we have challenged Israel at a variety of international fora, not least the United Nations Security Council. The Secretary General of the UN pulled me aside last year when he was addressing the European Council to thank me for Ireland’s role in holding Israel to account at the highest international level. It is just not good enough when Deputies come into the House and throw these statements around like confetti.