At dawn on Sunday, Israeli forces arrived at a primary school in Jubbet ad-Dhib, a village in the occupied West Bank. They proceeded to bulldoze the EU-funded school building to the ground. In the aftermath, we saw the heartbreaking image of children as young as six sifting through the rubble for their schoolbooks. The demolition of Palestinian schools is a terrifying feature of Israel’s brutal and illegal occupation. It represents a despicable violation of international law and of Palestinian human rights. The EU has rightly condemned the demolition. However, condemnation is not enough. We need action and Ireland must take the lead in confronting this injustice. What action has the Irish Government taken on this matter? What action will it take? Has it spoken to the Israeli ambassador? Has it spoken with European colleagues?

I reiterate the Government's and the European Union's condemnation of any form of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, including the demolition of homes, the demolition of public infrastructure such as schools or the targeting of hospitals. It is entirely unacceptable that any country, democratic or otherwise, should behave in such a way.

I have not had any engagement with the Israeli ambassador or with the Israeli Government in a very long time. However, I will make sure the Tánaiste knows the subject was raised in the Dáil. He usually handles those engagements. I do not know if this will be a matter for discussion at the European Council in June, but it may well be.