May I also add my herzliche wilkommen to our German ambassador and also wish him alles gute zum Tag der Deutschen Einheit.

I utterly condemn what is happening to the global aid flotilla. It is an outrage. Like everybody else here, I wish for the safe return of all of the participants, particularly Irish citizens and especially my colleague and friend, Senator Chris Andrews. I hope we have a good outcome on this.

With the few remaining moments I have, I amplify the voices of 114 people in my county of Louth, many of them young people, who have signed an open letter calling for greater investment in youth work in budget 2026. They are backing the National Youth Council of Ireland's call for an additional €21.3 million to protect existing services, expand access and ensure that safe, well-equipped spaces are available. As we all, know youth work supports mental health, builds confidence and life skills and provides safe places where young people can thrive, but services are under real pressure with the rising cost of living, increased demand and years of underfunding threatening their survival. This is not just about young people, but the future of our communities. In particular, it is about what we can offer these young people, who are our voices for the next generation. I therefore ask that the Deputy Leader arrange a debate with the Minister for education, Deputy McEntee, to set out clearly how we as a Government can support youth work in budget 2026 and beyond.

I commend my colleague Senator Andrews, who has shown real courage in joining in the Global Sumud Flotilla to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. It takes bravery to step into those boats knowing the risks, but he did so out of conscience. He was not alone. Irish citizens, activists and human rights defenders from across the world were on board, standing in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Too often, we applaud words but shy away from action. These activists have taken the step, putting their own safety on the line, to highlight a genocide that can no longer be ignored. They deserve not just our respect, but equally our support. The Irish Government cannot sit idly by. We welcome the update from the Deputy Leader this morning, but we must ensure that Senator Andrews and all those aboard are treated with dignity and brought home safely. Today is a reminder that politics is not just what we say here but what we are willing to do when human lives are at stake. I am incredibly proud of Senator Andrews, who has shown he is not only willing to talk the talk inside this Chamber, but equally walk the walk with the other activists on the flotilla. We are proud of Senator Andrews and stand with him and all of the activists onboard, along with the people of Palestine. We need to stop the genocide now. Saoirse don Phalaistín.