Go raibh míle maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

I find it reprehensible.

I am going to return to the genocide that is taking place in Palestine.

The Taoiseach said the problem was that Israel was riding roughshod over the world. That is not entirely accurate because most of Europe is behind Israel and America is certainly behind Israel. In practical terms, despite the very good words the Taoiseach has used and his describing what has happened lately as a war crime, we are still failing to take action. Now more than ever, we need to show leadership. We cannot say we are the best boys in the class if we are allowing Shannon Airport to be used, if we fail to pass the occupied territories Bill, if we are still trading with Israel through the European bloc and so on. It is not possible to stand on both sides. Notwithstanding the good things the Government has done, we need now more than ever to take action when the UN itself is in serious danger because of the complete diminution of its importance by Israel and America.

Again, I will say that Ireland has shown leadership on this; no big deal about it, but we have done what is the right thing to do. We work with like-minded states in the European Union. We consistently do that. We have issued a joint statement with Luxembourg, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain, countries we have worked with for quite some time on this issue. We have also worked with the Arab nations, UN agencies and the European Union, notwithstanding that some EU member states have been supportive of Israel. However, the European Union remains the biggest single donor to Palestinians, both through the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and to Palestinians more generally. That is rarely said.

The Government stood shoulder to shoulder with Israel. It needs to sanction Israel.

Allow the Taoiseach, Deputy McDonald.

He is making a statement of the obvious.

On a point of order, I find I am being constantly heckled on that side of the House when I am addressing other Members.

I am not heckling the Taoiseach.

I do not think that is acceptable.

The Taoiseach is not heckled from all sides of the House.

I am not heckled by the Deputy's good self.