I want to go back to the deplorable escalation of violence we have witnessed in Palestine and Jenin over the past week. In response to Deputy Carthy the Tánaiste rightfully mentioned the contribution of his colleague the late Brian Lenihan to the debate, as the first European politician to recognise the right of the Palestinians to a homeland. We recognise and remember this 44 years later because it was courageous and brave and because it stood out from the pack and demonstrated leadership. I ask once again that the Tánaiste's Government, in keeping with the memory he has of that contribution, demonstrates a similar level of bravery, courage and leadership in terms of stepping out from the pack and recognising the state of Palestine today. It should call for what it is the form of apartheid being inflicted on the Palestinian people by the state of Israel, and it should enact the occupied territories Bill. If the Tánaiste rightfully acknowledges that form of leadership there is an onus on us to step up once again and be the first to act.

It is not about me. It is about the Palestinian people and what actions we take that are most impactful and effective for the Palestinian people. That is what will guide our response on these issues. We are working with other countries to see whether we can get a critical mass of a number of countries together to pursue this agenda. There is a commitment in the programme for Government that relates to judgment issues. The occupied territories Bill will not pass muster because it is an EU legal competence. This is the problem with it. But rest assured. Recently along with many other countries we signed a convention on violence in urban conurbations and urban areas which inevitably leads to the death, murder and killing of civilians. This has to be condemned. Ireland has been to the forefront internationally in getting an international convention agreed on that.