In the past few days, we have seen some unhelpful interventions from the Israeli Embassy. It is profoundly unhelpful for diplomatic entities to spread disinformation or criticise our President. At this time, it would be helpful to hear from the Government on Ireland’s approach to Gaza at international level.

We in the Labour Party believe time should be set aside this week to hear from the Tánaiste following the meeting of foreign ministers in Luxembourg yesterday and from the Taoiseach ahead of the European Council meeting that he will attend later this week. At a time when so much disinformation is being spread, it is important that we hear directly from Government figures and have a chance to receive a briefing on Gaza from the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.

We need to have a debate this week about the role of the Israeli Embassy in Ireland, in particular its justification and lies to cover for the genocidal assault taking place on Gaza which has been responsible for over 5,000 people, including more than 2,000 children, being killed. There have been outrageous comments from the ambassador about the President, accusing him of spreading misinformation for pointing out the truth that Israel was in breach of multiple Geneva conventions, and a tweet from the deputy head of mission, saying that Ireland is funding Hamas tunnels under Gaza. We need to debate its role here. From our point of view, we think we have to expel the ambassador and the embassy. That would send a powerful message to the people of Palestine and people around the world that we stand with them and we are opposed to the actions of Israel.

It is unprecedented that we have a guillotine after the first round of debate on the finance Bill. We need longer to debate that Bill.