Chris Andrews
Labour Panel · Sinn Féin · Ireland
“I want to move an amendment to No. 1 on the Order Paper, proposing an orderly winding down of the accommodation recognition payment scheme in a way that is fair and efficient. I note today is the last day of Dáil and Seanad sittings before the summer recess.”
“The Government can point to housing and claim that there are huge successes. There is only success for the wealthy, the well-off, the developers and the landlords. They are all delighted with Government policy.”
“Government will say, "Look at the positives", but there are a huge amount of challenges. You need not look any further than the housing crisis. Of course, the Government will point to an increased number of housing developments. However, those housing developments are for the very well-off.”
“We supported the development of housing on the Glass Bottle site. We worked hard to ensure to get more social housing. Unfortunately, the Government would not do that. Now it seems that the so-called "affordable housing" on the Glass Bottle site will be unaffordable.”
“I move amendment No. 14: In page 7, between lines 25 and 26, to insert the following: “Annual report 11. The Minister shall, within the first six months of the year, lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report outlining the application of this Act, providing an update on— (a) how many successful actions were brought under section 14…”
“I move amendment No. 2: In page 4, between lines 4 and 5, to insert the following: “ “settlement service” means a service provided in whole or in part within a postal code or relevant occupied territory to which this Act applies;”.”
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“Amendment No. 6 empowers the District Court to actively consider journalistic privilege when assessing search warrant applications. It ensures warrants are refused unless strict requirements are met. This protects press freedom, prevents overreach, and reinforces the essential democratic role of independent journalism. Amendment No. 8 strengthens the protection of journalistic sources by allowing disclosure only through a court order and only where strictly necessary and proportionate. It requires judges to weigh constitutional rights, European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence, and domestic case law, ensuring press freedom is upheld while balancing genuine public interest needs.”
“I move amendment No. 6: In page 14, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: “(2) In considering an application for a search warrant, the District Court may consider whether journalistic privilege applies and shall refuse the application unless satisfied that the requirements of section 21 (Protection of Journalistic Sources) have been met”.”
“This safeguard is not about obstructing investigations; it is about defending press freedom, preventing fishing expeditions and upholding the public's right to know. By requiring judicial scrutiny and participation from those affected, we reinforce transparency, proportionality and the vital independence of the media in a democratic society. Amendment No. 10 provides journalists and publishers with a vital safeguard, which is rapid High Court review of any warrant or order affecting them. It ensures decisions are examined promptly, recognising the fundamental importance of protecting journalistic sources and preventing undue interference with the media's democratic role.”
“Justice Gerard Hogan, stated that: "The general protection of sources is integral to a free press." He added that without constitutional protection of the media’s right to protect sources, journalists "cannot be reasonably be expected to discharge their functions of educating public opinion and holding government to account in the manner expressly provided for in article 40.6.1 of the Constitution.” Sinn Féin has tabled a number of amendments to address these flaws in the Bill. Amendment No. 5 strengthens the essential protections for journalists and publishers and ensures that when An Garda Síochána seeks a search warrant for journalistic materials, the court must, except in truly exceptional circumstances, hold an inter partes hearing. That means the journalist or publisher can make submissions on whether journalistic privilege applies.”
“It should be amended to ensure there is a court hearing to determine whether journalistic privilege applies before a warrant can be granted, as is the case in many other jurisdictions, including in the North. The District Court should be empowered to take journalistic privilege into account when considering a Garda application for a search warrant, rather than after the application has been granted. The Bill needs to explicitly recognise the rights of journalists to protect sources, which is arguably required to bring the law into line with the 2023 decision in Emmett Corcoran v . the Attorney General where the Supreme Court judge, Mr.”
“This should be based in legislation." It also recommended that "legislation defining police powers of arrest, search and detention should be codified, with statutory codes of practice." While these changes are welcome, the delay in bringing them forward is notable. It is now eight years since the commission on the future of policing made its recommendations, however, the part of this Bill Sinn Féin has significant issues with is its failure to explicitly recognise the right of journalists to protect sources. This Bill fails to explicitly recognise the right of journalists to refuse to reveal confidential sources. The Minister needs to address the extensive concerns about the implications of this Bill for the ability of journalists to do their job, including holding those in power to account.”
“Amendments Nos. 5 and 10, as the Cathaoirleach has said, are linked. Many aspects of this Bill are to be welcomed, including the fact that it codifies Garda use of powers to stop and search, arrest, searches and seizures, and detention, and clarifies the law on stop and search. It is welcome that what was found in provisions in over a dozen pieces of legislation is now reduced to two clear powers to stop and search. The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland recommended in 2018 that in order to ensure the legitimacy of policing and the protection of the rights of all: "There needs to be clarity and transparency about police powers and codes of practice as to how to exercise those powers.”
“I move amendment No. 5: In page 14, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: “(2) Where an application for a search warrant relates to premises, devices or materials belonging to a journalist or publisher, the court shall, save in exceptional circumstances, conduct an inter partes hearing and invite the journalist or publisher to make submissions on whether journalistic privilege applies.”.”
“It could be the heart of cultural and community activities as a venue for events, meetings and clinics. There is so much potential for this building and it would be a massive loss to find it turned into a café or a hotel. We need to see ambitious, forward-thinking action taken by the State to ensure this property remains in public and community use, and that the long-term good of Rathmines is not left to chance on the market.”
“The building itself is in the community since 1934. It is an art deco building and a building that cannot be replaced. If it is allowed to be sold off to a private developer, it would be a huge loss. It is beyond me how we could sell off such a beautiful building that has so much potential. It must and should be kept in the ownership of the State and, by extension, in the ownership of the local community. When the post office transfers to a new location, the Government needs to ensure the property remains in public ownership by facilitating the transfer of ownership to Dublin City Council, which has been engaged on the issue. There are some proposals from local community activists and different community groups on what might go in this space. In the future it should be a central hub for Rathmines community.”
“I agree with Senator Keogan. It is important that more research is done and that there is more transparency around suicide and the impact of children being taken into State care. I have previously raised the issue of Rathmines post office being sold off, as well as the closures in recent years of post offices on Baggot Street, Kevin Street and in Donnybrook and Ballsbridge. That has had a hugely negative impact on those communities, particularly among the older members. It was announced recently that Rathmines post office is likely to be on the market in the middle of next year. Yet, there is no plan for what is going to happen to this historic building. It is really important that it stays in public hands. Rathmines post office could and should be at the heart of the community. It a vibrant community. It is a unique part of Dublin.”
“To put this in perspective, the Danish Presidency last year cost one fifth of that amount. Our previous Presidency 13 years ago in 2013, it cost €50 million, so it is a pretty extravagant increase in costs. The Government appears to be rolling out the red carpet for the EU, with hundreds of luxury vehicles purchased to ferry VIPs across the State with, no doubt, every effort being made to show them a good time. That is all well and good if the money is being used to get value from the Presidency but it is hard to see how we are going to get that sort of return from €300 million or €400 million. It seems extravagant.”
“We are just two weeks away from the beginning of Ireland's EU Presidency. To say that Government and senior civil servants are excited by the prospects of this event is a bit of an understatement. It has been the obsession of the whole State apparatus for well over a year, with Ministers and functionaries salivating at the glamour of facilitating EU Council meetings. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy McEntee, is even so excited that I believe she chose a logo that replicates, or is very similar to, her party logo. However, for people outside the EU political bubble, the Presidency is not that big of a deal. It is a bubble issue and it is projected to cost the taxpayer between €300 million and €400 million to accommodate the EU Presidency here.”
“I would also like to be associated with the comments directed towards the Acting Leader. I am not sure he wants us to do that. I withdraw them so. I want to acknowledge the tremendous performance by Cape Verde yesterday. At the heart of that performance was Pico Lopes, who is a Shamrock Rovers player. As a Shamrock Rovers fan, I see these man of the match performances week in, week out, so it is not any huge surprise to me. It was fantastic, and I congratulate him and the Cape Verde team. Cape Verde is the third smallest nation ever to appear at a FIFA World Cup. It is an incredible achievement. Pico has also been an outspoken critic of Israel and its participation in European football and he has campaigned for the Ireland-Israel game to be stopped. It was a great night for him and his family, his wife Leah and their new child Diego.”
“I thank the Minister of State and Senator O'Reilly. I want to welcome Una, Kathleen and Anthony Doolan and Richard and Theresa Shepherd, who are from Sligo, I think. No, they are from Roscommon and Sligo; I am offending them already. They are guests of Deputy Eamon Scanlon but he has found them a good guide in the form of Deputy Cleere who is looking after them. They are very welcome and I hope they are enjoying the tour. I imagine Deputy Scanlon is treating them to the bar and restaurant. If he is not, they will have to get onto Deputy Cleere.”
“There is a vote on now. The Minister of State, Deputy Troy, is paired, so we are going to take him next. While we are waiting, I welcome Camila Alejandra Blanco, who is from Florida and is interning here with Senator Joe O'Reilly. She is very welcome. I hope he is looking after her well and bringing her in to the Members' restaurant every day for lunch, as is the custom for interns. I have no doubt he is. Ms Blanco is very welcome and we wish her the best in her studies and work experience. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Troy. Is he still celebrating or is he quiet on the football today? Next up is Senator McCarthy.”
“My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue spends almost €2 million every year and gets less than €100,000 in Government support. My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue and rescues like it all around the country are picking up the tab for the failure by the Government in animal welfare. Everyone in the Dáil and Seanad should visit My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue. It should be almost compulsory. The other reason it was an incredible visit was because of the commitment, compassion and kindness the staff there show. It is a 24-7 operation. The work they do is so important and it has to be acknowledged more by the Government.”
“Even in Kildare we would not see that number of horses in one small area. It was absolutely shocking to see so many horses, and they were all rescue horses. We hear a lot about how we are a horse-loving nation but, sadly, a visit to My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue would suggest that this is not true. When we see the horseracing industry getting €80 million per year and then we see the huge number of horses in rescues, we know something is not working. The cruelty of horses that is tolerated in this country is shameful, whether it is sulky racing, plain neglect of horses that do not run fast enough or just sad neglect. The Government allows this to happen. There are no laws, and there is no enforcement. Every one of those horses and donkeys represents a failure of the Government in animal welfare.”
“I agree with Senator Fitzpatrick's comments in relation to the RTÉ "Prime Time" report entitled Cocaine Kids. For anybody living in the inner city, it was nothing new and revealed nothing new to them. As she said, it is really important that we have a health-led approach to drug use. I agree with and acknowledge that. Last week, I went to visit My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue. It was an incredible visit. There are horses, pigs, goats and donkeys - everything is there. It was incredible for two reasons. It was incredible because the number of horses there was shocking and depressing. I have never seen so many horses in one place. Maybe I am a city person, but I do not think-----”
“Senator Clonan has documented that. This legislation would require the Government to finally take action to prevent these clear breaches. We have a responsibility to assert our sovereignty and neutrality but we also need to stand up to the Trump and Netanyahu regimes and their attacks on human rights and international law. The Government has failed to do that. It has failed to stand up to Trump, it has failed to stand up to Netanyahu and it has failed to stand up for international law.”
“In that case, the State should not allow these aircraft into the country if there is a clear likelihood they will not abide by our laws or are supporting military operations that are illegal and immoral. The State should follow the example set by Switzerland and Spain in not allowing the use of airspace and airports by the US military to facilitate or support its illegal war against Iran. It should be refusing any request for the transit of weapons or military aircraft with a destination in Israel. With regard to commercial flights, the Government claims it does not have the legislative authority to inspect aircraft and ensure they are not carrying armaments without proper approvals. There are many known instances of commercial aircraft transporting weapons or weaponry components through our airspace without exemptions.”
“The Government holds up its hands and tells the public and Members of the Oireachtas that it is not aware of these rules being broken. It is not aware for one simple reason: it does not want to know. Astoundingly, it does not carry out any weapons inspection on civilian aircraft and closes its eyes to clear breaches by the US military. The State puts its head in the sand, as it were, lets the US military treat Shannon Airport as its own territory and lets commercial aircraft operate without any substantive obligation to abide by Irish law. The Government says it cannot inspect foreign military aircraft due to diplomatic protocols and has no power to ensure they abide by the law.”
“The 2026 statistics available from the Department of Transport's records show that every application for commercial aircraft to transport arms through Ireland was approved by the Minister. Likewise, the Department of foreign affairs' statistics from this year show that not a single application for American military aircraft to transit through Ireland was refused. What is worse than this automatic American exemption is that the State clearly makes no effort to enforce the prohibition on arms transiting our airspace in civilian aircraft. On paper, foreign military aircraft cannot carry any sort of weaponry through our airspace, while civilian aircraft can only do so under strict criteria. As has been thoroughly documented, although the Government continues to deny it, these basic rules are not being followed.”
“It is failing to ensure that there are any consequences and is failing to ensure that international law and human rights are upheld. The sanctions that have been put in place on the International Criminal Court's members, judges and prosecutors are not being challenged by the Government. At that same time, the Government is welcoming the game against Israel, which faces no consequences for the genocide, killing and destruction of so many Palestinian families. This Government lets them do what they like and we do not ask any inconvenient questions. While it is illegal for civil aircraft to transport arms through Ireland or for foreign military to use our airspace without prior permission from the Government, what is the point of these rules when America and the arms industry are automatically allowed to bypass them?”
“It is frankly a complete disgrace that this Government has allowed our airspace to be used to facilitate Israel's genocide in Gaza, as well as America's escalating wars in the Middle East. That is a well-known fact at this point, although Ministers love to gaslight the Opposition. In many ways, it is like listening to Trump because the Government says one thing but the reality, which everyone knows, is the opposite. Shannon Airport is a key logistical cog in America's military machine and is clearly central to its support for Israel's genocide and its own illegal attacks on Iran. The Government appears to have a policy of giving the United States a blank cheque when it comes our airspace and Shannon Airport. The Government also seems to have a policy in giving a blank cheque to Israel because it is failing to hold Israel to account.”
“Sinn Féin fully supports this Bill. I thank Senator Patricia Stephenson for bringing it forward. It is a Bill that is important, timely and something that is long overdue. As Senator Stephenson said, the OPLA has indicated that it is legally sound, so if there were issues, the Government could work through them on Committee Stage. Consequently, it is disappointing that it is not being accepted. Senators Higgins and Black and the other members of the Civil Engagement Group should also be commended on their important recent legislation in this area, which the Government unfortunately chose to oppose in this House back in April. This Bill is an opportunity for the Government to correct that mistake and to finally take some action to ensure that our airspace in not being used to enable war, genocide and human rights abuses.”
“The Department needs to ensure that when it looks at a situation like that involving Serca, it does not just send the application back saying it has been refused. The Department needs to say "look, you don't qualify for this but this is something you may qualify for". Every time an application goes is made, it is refused and it takes up to a month to process with additional information. Breast cancer is stressful and traumatising enough without having to navigate social welfare obstacles. There needs to be some sort of humanity and common sense in the way that the Department works not just for Serca but for other people like her. We need the Minister to come in here to debate this issue because it is about humanity and treating people right - people who have contributed so much to their community and to society.”
“Serca has been applying for some financial supports - any financial support. She has applied for four different types of support from the Department of Social Protection. Her spouse has an income that is over €530, although not much over that. It is not a huge income but they have a mortgage, childcare, utility bills and two young children and the costs are coming at them from everywhere. Serca needs childcare because she is not strong enough to care for the kids when she is undergoing chemotherapy. They are really struggling to stay afloat. They are going from a two-salary household to a one-salary household. They do not have an extravagant lifestyle. Their outgoings are not taken into account. There must be a safety net for people like Serca and her family. They cannot be thrown to the wolves.”
“I acknowledge the Irish ladies football team last night. Even though they ultimately were not successful in directly qualifying for the World Cup, I think they are on the up. They are fantastic. Carla Ward is doing an amazing job. I second Senator Collins's amendment. I was in touch over the past week with a lady called Serca Darcy, who has breast cancer. She is 35 years of age. She has worked in hairdressing since she was 15. She opened her own salon and has employed a couple of people for the past 12 years. She has worked very hard. She has been working hard since she was 15 years of age. She has paid tax. She was self-employed for part of this time and created employment to pay VAT every two months, rent and rates. She has two young children with a mortgage and childcare at a time when the cost of everything is increasing.”
“The Minister of State did not answer the question I asked about whether he has spoken to the Commission about this legislation or to Council colleagues from member states that have already ratified CETA and would therefore be subject to an entirely different process. I ask him to answer that question now.”
“This amendment seeks to address the issues raised in a previous amendment regarding the legal compatibility of the Bill with the EU treaties, especially Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union, and with CETA itself. Has the Minister of State spoken to the Commission about this legislation? Has he spoken to Council colleagues from member states that have ratified CETA and would therefore be subject to an entirely different process than is envisaged in the agreement?”
“I move amendment No. 22: In page 4, after line 38, to insert the following: “Report on compliance with EU law and CETA 5. The Minister shall, within 12 months of the passing of this Act and in consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas evaluating this Act’s compliance with the Treaties of the European Union and CETA itself, and in particular shall examine— (a) whether the provisions of section 25A of the Principal Act conflict with the duty of sincere cooperation in Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union; and (b) whether the provisions of section 25A of the Principal Act conflict with CETA itself.”.”
“There is nothing standard about the power that Government is seeking to give itself here, and this is about whether the State will enforce potentially huge lawsuits against itself for seeking to regulate in the public interest. I will speak to amendment No. 19 as well. Amendment No. 19 seeks to amend section 25A(6) to remove the time limit on the ability of the Oireachtas to annul an order made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade under subsection (5) to include a new international agreement within the scope of this Bill. Again, I fully expect the Minister of State to stand up here and say that this is standard practice but I reiterate that there is nothing standard about this legislation and the Oireachtas, in the absence of a positive requirement to scrutinise, should not be timebound in such scrutiny.”
“Amendment No. 17 seeks to delete section 25A(6) and replace it with a provision that every order made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade under subsection (5) shall only have legal effect following approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas. This provision would replace the option for the Oireachtas to scrutinise orders made with an active requirement that such scrutiny would take place. It is unacceptable that there would not be a proper debate and the provisions as currently worded give extraordinary power to any future Minister or any future Government to prescribe agreements. When this was raised in the other House, TDs were told that the Government provision is standard legislation.”
“I move amendment No. 17: In page 4, to delete lines 32 to 38 and substitute the following: “(6) An order made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade under subsection (5) shall only have legal effect once approved by resolutions of both Houses of the Oireachtas and either House of the Oireachtas may move a resolution to revoke such an order and such revocation shall take a place upon agreement of the other House of the Oireachtas by resolution.”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 6: In page 4, between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following: "(4) For the avoidance of doubt, awards under an international agreement referred to in subsection (1) shall not be enforceable or recognised in the State if such awards were sought in a foreign jurisdiction or an international body.".”
“A Luxembourg investor secured a seizing order from the British courts directed at property owned by the Government of Spain in London. In March of last year, the European Commission ruled that paying this award constituted illegal state aid and directed the Spanish Government not to pay it. By virtue of its exposure to investor courts, Spain had assets seized in Britain and then we were told by the Commission that this was illegal state aid. Has the Government carried out any risk assessment of this happening in Ireland if we expose ourselves to investor courts? Is it the Minister of State’s understanding that investors may seek enforcement outside Ireland? If that is the case, why would investors, who think they may not be successful in an Irish court, not seek enforcement elsewhere?”
“I wish to speak to amendment No. 6, which seeks to address the fundamental issue with the Bill. The Government has imagined a fantastical situation where investors who believe that they may not be successful in obtaining an award through the process outlined in this Bill would simply accept that. There is nothing in this Bill that prevents investors from seeking enforcement in foreign courts or at international bodies such as the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. There are numerous examples of enforcement being sought in foreign jurisdictions. One particularly egregious example is a recent case taken against Spain as part of the enforcement saga of investment treaty arbitration awards issued in renewable energy disputes.”
“The Israel occupation forces, IOF, shoot sports people in the legs, yet Ireland is going to play Israel, which includes IOF soldiers among its players and management. It is very unfair on the players and the decision needs to be taken out of their hands. Imagine being a player and being told by Ministers and representatives of the FAI that they will not attend the game and yet they expect the Irish players to play Israel. It is leaving the players isolated and alone. The Minister will not attend on principle but expects the players to play. So much for protecting players. We need the Minister to come here to discuss this issue.”
“What about the brutal attacks by the Israelis against flotilla members just a couple of weeks ago? There was lots of outrage about that but two weeks later the Government is willing to overlook that and allow Ireland to play genocidal Israel. Does international law mean nothing to this Government? Are we going to sacrifice Ireland's commitment and obligations under international law to uphold human rights for the sake of six points and a fine? The media are also fixated on the consequences for the team if it gets fined and loses six points but I do not hear the media being so fixated on Ireland's unwillingness to uphold international law. Israel has turned sports facilities in Gaza into graveyards.”
“Also today in the Dáil there is a motion on stopping the Ireland-Israel game. The Football Association of Ireland, FAI, has decided to play the game in another country. I will not say it is a neutral country because it is not neutral if it is hosting a game that involves Israel. It is clearly facilitating sportswashing. It is a spineless decision by the FAI to move the game to another country. The FAI constantly talks about UEFA rules and the penalties Ireland would face. In fact, the Taoiseach said that the game should go ahead so that the FAI would not have to pay any penalties. At the same time, the Taoiseach is willing to ignore Ireland's responsibility to comply with international law against a genocide. Ireland playing Israel is facilitating sportswashing. So much for priorities.”
“The last time the Seanad met, the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 was shamefully guillotined on Committee Stage before the House could properly debate the legislation or discuss the vast majority of proposed amendments. This morning, we were notified that Report and Final Stages would be cut short, with the Bill being forced through the Seanad. Our ability to scrutinise the legislation will be completely cut off. For that reason, I want to again propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 would adjourn at 9 p.m. and not conclude at 8 p.m. Senator Tully will second this. I would also like to join with Senator O'Loughlin and send best wishes to the Irish women's soccer team in their game against France in Grenoble. It will be a huge game and I am looking forward to watching it.”
“I welcome to the Seanad H.E. Mr. Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania; H E. Dr. Uran Ferizi, the ambassador of Albania to Ireland, and Ambassador Ciara O'Floinn, the Irish ambassador to Greece. They are all guests of Deputy Barry Ward, former Member of the Seanad and current Chair of the European affairs committee. They are very welcome. We hope they enjoy their visit.”
“I welcome the Mayor of Austin, Kirk Watson, to the Seanad, as well as his delegation of guests. They are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy. They are very welcome. I am sure the Minister of State is looking after them very well.”
“A vote has been called in the Dáil Chamber so we will finish up and suspend in a minute. I welcome guests from Carlow of the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, who is waiting in the wings to step in for the next Commencement matter.”
“I move amendment No. 3: After "calls for:" to insert the following paragraph: “- the Irish Government to take decisive action to punish Israel for its failure to comply with its international and moral obligations, including but not limited to, implementing a ban on all economic activity with illegal Israeli settlements, prohibiting the use of Irish airspace for the transit of weapons bound for Israel, and suspending cultural and sporting links with Israel such as the UEFA Nations League fixtures scheduled for later this year;”.”
“I move amendment No. 2: After "condemns:" to insert the following paragraph: “- the unwillingness of the EU to take meaningful economic or political steps to hold Israel to account for its genocidal actions, and the complicity of many European states in Israel’s illegal actions in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon;”.”
“He abused and threatened us, and videoed it. This is not the first time and it will not be his last. Israel, the state, has been committing these crimes for decades. It is hard to believe that it is only now that the Government is thinking of bringing in a watered-down occupied territories Bill. It is shameful.”
“In 2010, when the Challenger 1 , part of a flotilla bringing humanitarian aid, was intercepted, Irish citizens were brutalised. That was before Ben-Gvir was around. The Israeli state is an apartheid, genocidal rogue state. The reality is that Ben-Gvir is just the ugly face of that state. As far as I can see, the Israeli state is a cancer in world geopolitics. There is a sense that what happened with the flotilla was shocking. I have personal experience of this. Ben-Gvir came into my cell and held ten of us in a corner at gunpoint.”
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are completely opposed to sanctions being put on the State of Israel at a domestic level, as clearly shown when they voted against a Bill to that effect in the Dáil only the week before last. They have shamefully gutted the occupied territories Bill after delaying it for eight whole years. They are completely unwilling to stop the use of Irish airspace for the transit of weapons bound for Israel. There was mention of Ben-Gvir. In the media and in political discourse, not just here, Ben-Gvir is portrayed as being somehow a rogue outlier, an extremist who is not in line with Israeli society. The reality is Ben-Gvir is not an outlier. He is a racist, aggressive individual who is doing what Israel has done for decades.”