I want to return to the issue of the global flotilla. I spoke this morning with Senator Chris Andrews, our colleague. His boat, the Spectre, was hit by four Israeli drones. I understand that 11 devices hit that and other boats on the flotilla. These are clearly acts of intimidation, of menace, and of threat. They represent yet another brazen violation of international law. It is simply a symptom of the impunity gifted to Netanyahu and gifted to Israel, to their apartheid, to their occupation and now to their ongoing acts of genocide. As the Minister has acknowledged, the flotilla is a mission of mercy and humanity to break the blockade of Gaza and to deliver aid, and more broadly to put pressure on Israel to stop the genocide and to put pressure on the international community to punish Israel. I appreciate the Minister's earlier words but will he amplify what the Government will concretely do to protect Irish citizens and others on the flotilla?

I am pleased to hear the Deputy spoke to Senator Andrews. It is obviously a very traumatic event for him and all other persons who are on the flotilla. As I said in my earlier comments, this is a reflection of the contempt Israel has for people who are non-combatants, whether they are in Gaza or on international waters. Having engaged with the Tánaiste's Department this morning I am aware that the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are very concerned about the overnight attacks on the flotilla and reiterate that no unlawful or violent acts should be taken against the flotilla. I would urge Israel to respect international law and international humanitarian law.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring the situation and will provide whatever assistance that Senator Andrews, Deputy Heneghan or anyone else on the boat requires. That is the current situation but obviously it is a concern that the Government will keep a close eye on.