Gaza conflict and ceasefire
Leyden comments on the proposed Gaza ceasefire, condemns Israeli attacks and calls for possible war-crimes prosecutions; the Chair asks him not to name people in the Chamber.
The motion is on Order Paper. I propose that Seanad Éireann resolve that Statutory Instrument No. 226 of 2014, Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014, be annulled. We must vote on the issue today to annul this document.
On the ceasefire to be negotiated by the Egyptians, I hope both sides will honour it. Hamas seems to be reluctant to do so, but it is bringing more fire on itself. The Israelis have eliminated more than 192 people on the Gaza Strip, many of them women and children, which is mass murder. They should face war crime trials because they cannot get away constantly with this annihilation. Some action must be taken by the international community, but as Israel has protectors, it will not be held responsible.
I wish Fr. Kevin Doran well. He has become Bishop of Elfin and we attended the event last Sunday in the cathedral in Sligo. I come from Roscommon and a vast area of the county is in the diocese of Elphin. Fr. Doran has an important role in the education of young people and schools management and the development of the diocese. He is from Dún Laoghaire but welcome in County Roscommon. I extend a warm welcome to him and wish him good health and success in what is a demanding position. I also pay tribute to Bishop Christopher Jones who carried out the episcopal ordination last Sunday-----
Comment on this
Neither of them will object. It is a rare occasion-----
Comment on this
Bishop Jones has served as bishop for 20 years and is retiring. I was disappointed that neither the President nor the Government was represented at the event.