This morning, as we gather here in the Seanad, I am very mindful of the people in the Middle East who are under direct attack and threat. I am really concerned about the civilians - the men, women and children of all ages - who are living in fear for their lives. I am particularly concerned for our own Irish civilians. I acknowledge the messaging from the Minister for foreign affairs and the Department of foreign affairs. I acknowledge the support of our consulate and embassy staff in the region. They are all doing their utmost to ensure that Irish citizens are protected and, where possible, safely returned.

The reports on today's "Morning Ireland" resonated with me. You could hear people who had arrived this morning on the first two flights. The Emirates airline ran two flights from Dubai overnight. There was real fear, but also a real relief to be back at home. You could hear the uncertainty that those people had lived with for the five or six days. They raised issues about communication and miscommunication. It is important that we support our Department of foreign affairs, embassies and consulates and encourage all of the airlines to communicate.

Most importantly and getting to the crux of this issue, we continue to utterly condemn the oppression that has been taking place in Iran. The Iranian people deserve to live in a free, democratic, secular society. That is the least they deserve. We need to urge all countries to use the power of diplomacy. The men of war need to realise that they are not infallible. Human life is precious. We must aim to restore peace as soon as possible.

On more local issues this week, I draw the House's attention to the latest developments with regards to the Rotunda Hospital. The Rotunda Hospital is the world's oldest maternity hospital. It is in the heart of my area and where I gave birth to my own three children. The staff in the Rotunda are just tremendous people. The talent and energy they have and the care they give to the women and babies of not just our city, but our country, is immense. They had a terrible setback two weeks ago when An Coimisiún Pleanála overturned Dublin City Council's decision to grant planning permission for a critical care wing. I thank the Minister for Health and the Government more widely for working with the Rotunda to agree a plan to lodge a new planning application. The new planning application will not just deal with the critical care wing for premature babies but also for women, and the sexual trauma unit will be upgraded as well. This will strengthen the Rotunda. It will retain the Rotunda on the Parnell Square site. This is good for mothers, babies and families. I congratulate everyone and urge everyone to support the new application and not to lodge objections.