Ireland response to Gaza
Deputy Coppinger condemned the mass killing in Gaza and challenged Ireland to do more than issue statements. The Tánaiste said Ireland is funding aid, backing the ICJ case and pushing for EU action; he and Deputy Coppinger then sparred over whether Ireland is doing enough.
I am finding it hard to see how we are still here when thousands of babies died in Gaza last night while food trucks with baby formula and baby food were sitting nearby. Netanyahu has issued evacuation orders to annihilate Gaza, and his finance minister has said, "the world still hasn't stopped us". He is right. I do not want to hear about how the Government is the best in the class, because all of the others are so terrible. The EU and the West have allowed this genocide to happen and they are not lifting a finger.
I want to ask the Tánaiste about Ireland's action, not statements or words. Can he identify one serious sanction taken by Ireland to stop Israel? No action has been taken at Shannon Airport, which is used by the US, which is backing the genocide, to refuel. The Central Bank is processing war bonds. The occupied territories Bill will be delayed and watered down by the Government.
Let us contrast this with what the Government did against Russia. Will the Tánaiste agree, for example, to do what it did in respect of Russia when it invaded Ukraine and freeze all Israeli assets in Ireland now? Will the Government issue travel bans against Israeli people, soldiers and business people who have businesses here and are supporting the genocide? Would the Tánaiste agree to do that? That is the type of action we need, not more words.
Comment on this
We do not just provide words; we provide a significant amount of money, including through UNRWA, to the Palestinian Authority and in aid. We do not just say words. We have joined with South Africa on a case in the International Court of Justice on the genocide convention. We have worked to try to build a majority at the European Union, which now exists, in terms of the association agreement.
The Deputy is correct regarding sanctions taken against Russia which have not been taken against Israel. I would point out that those sanctions have been taken at an EU level.
Comment on this
Hypocrisy, in other words.
Comment on this
We are working at an EU level because that is how sanctions are introduced. I do not disagree with the Deputy's analysis of the situation, but Ireland is taking practical actions and doing everything we possibly can.
Comment on this
We are 19 months on and there is nothing.