Colm Byrne, my Sallins constituent, has just been kidnapped an hour ago on a flotilla in international waters on a peaceful mission to deliver aid, medical supplies and food to the Palestinian people. It is a non-violent humanitarian expedition yet the IDF is treating them savagely and illegally. Amidst his mistreatment, in a voice message he sent to me, all Colm can think about is not what the IDF is going to do to them, but imagining what they do to Palestinians - the cruelty, torture and sexual abuse that Palestinians, including children, suffer. He wants me to give a clear message to the Government to stop being so spineless when it comes to Israel. Colm is urging every single Teachta to remember what the State of Israel is doing when they vote for the sanctions against Israel Bill tomorrow night.

Irish citizens are sailing into danger carrying aid, abiding by international law, because the Government has failed in his moral duty by allowing this horror to continue. What is the Taoiseach to protect these Irish citizens and to make sure that we finally act against this genocide?

As we have always done, we work to help and support Irish citizens in any difficult situation. In this case it is absolutely unacceptable. I have condemned what the Israeli military and Israeli Government have done in international waters. We will work extremely hard through our ambassadors to make sure that all Irish citizens are looked after and that they are released immediately. Those are the advocacy and representations we will make to the Israeli Government.

I do not accept the Deputy's assertion that it is the Irish Government's fault that the flotilla has been intercepted by Israel. They have been doing that for over two decades.

I did not say that.

I do not think it is fair. I will just make the point----

I said the Government is forcing Irish citizens into direct action because it is not doing enough.

That is not the reason.

It is the reason. They would not have to do that if the Government were acting.

That is not the reason.