Fiona O'Loughlin
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Some 400 remote working hubs were also put in place, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, when we all had the realisation that some work - not all work - can be done remotely. The local enterprise boards are doing an incredible job in rural areas. I am speaking from experience.”
“I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming both the Belgian ambassador and my friends Joeleen and James. Anyone who has visited Chat N' Chew in Newbridge will have met Joeleen. I certainly hope her lunch today will be up to the usual standard at Chat N' Chew. It was lovely to meet with our former colleague Catherine Martin last night.”
“Continuing the theme of Kildare connections, she is a grand-niece of the late Rathangan author Maura Laverty, who wrote many books and wrote the very first soap opera for RTÉ, "Tolka Row". We wish Áine well on her retirement. I wish to talk about a serious issue relating to the blueway.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her positive response. In terms of premises, I had meetings with Jigsaw over the years in Newbridge and we did look at various premises. No later than yesterday, I spoke to the chief executive of Kildare County Council in relation to this.”
“We know young people are showing signs of stress or anxiety and that it is a very stressful and anxious world. Interventions can be made at this stage. The reason I have tabled this Commencement matter is that I have been advocating for a long time for Newbridge to have a Jigsaw service.”
“I always hate talking about these figures, but in terms of the rate of youth suicide, Kildare has the highest rate in Leinster. According to CSO figures, 14 people died by suicide in Kildare in 2023, in 2022 the figure was 26 and in 2021 it was 27. Demand is rising sharply for services.”
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“We have to move towards the new model of management that we know is on the way because this activity is having an impact on the horse industry, the Army and people who use the Curragh for leisure and amenity, including Cill Dara Golf Club, which has had its two greens impacted. It is simply not good enough. This is Men's Health Week and it is important that we talk about and encourage men to go for the checks they need. However, we also need to talk about men's mental health. Too often, we separate physical from mental health. Sometimes men are nervous about speaking out and feel that they have to carry things quietly until they reach crisis point. That is not a strength, and it is not sustainable. We need men and boys to know that it is okay not to be okay. Asking for help is not a weakness, but a sign of strength.”
“While I take great pleasure in talking about something positive, sadly, I have to talk yet again about illegal encampments on the Curragh. Over the weekend, almost 100 caravans congregated illegally on our lovely Curragh Plains. I spoke recently in the Chamber about the bill of €185,000 for the last illegal encampment, which was about two months ago. I spoke to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on Saturday evening about this. I also spoke to the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and I have had meetings with the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, on the legislative aspect.”
“The Leader and many of the Senators present will have listened to me speaking about the much-needed second bridge for Newbridge. Today, I feel like shouting from the rooftops that we have been awarded upwards of €20 million to make sure this bridge becomes a reality. It will be part of the southern outer orbital road and the €20 million is for the bridge over the River Liffey and a 795 m strip of road leading up to it. I thank the Ministers, Deputies Browne and O'Brien, for their engagement on this over the last year. We are confident that construction will start early in 2027. Tender documents are being prepared through the Department of Transport. I also thank Kildare County Council officials for all their help in getting us this far.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Meath County Council) (Parts of Administrative Area) Order 2026, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd April, 2026.”
“I know that there is an ongoing issue in relation to the chair of the organisation but it has not been stood down. It is still doing its work and it does an excellent job. The market has shrunk and it is of concern. It shows too that there may be a number of different reasons for that. This came up a little bit in this House a few weeks ago. We all have a duty to talk about the absolute integrity of the Irish beef we have in this country. We all have a duty to not scaremonger in any way. It happened in this House, albeit not by any Member here, two weeks ago. We will look for the Minister for agriculture to come to the House to address the matter. It is very concerning and we need to take it very seriously and to put in any supports we can for the farmers who are impacted.”
“I encourage all of the Senators to contact the ambassadors for the country their county is twinned with. The Irish ambassadors for each country will be coming over as well to do cultural and school activities over a three-day period at the end of September. It is a great opportunity to showcase Ireland and its culture. Senator Conway praised the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, for the work he is doing and the Senator has asked for the Minister of State to come back to give us an update. We will look for that to happen after the summer recess. Senator Paraic Brady spoke about farmers and the cost of beef going down. It is awful to see this. I have taken many phone calls over the last few days in relation to it. Bord Bia has not been stood down.”
“We will have a lot of legislation between now and the summer recess, so I genuinely do not know whether we will be able to fit it in, but we will look for it immediately after the summer recess if we do not have it by then. Senator Sarah O'Reilly also spoke about the situation in Belfast. She is right in saying that we need to talk about the difficult challenges we have and we need to support victims, but we also have to call out blatant racism where we see it. Senator Martin Conway spoke about the priorities for the EU Presidency, which is starting on 1 July. He talked about the county and country pairings. In his case, it is Clare and Croatia. Kildare is twinned with Austria. I have had the pleasure of meeting the Austrian ambassador three times up to now to discuss our plans.”
“However, when there is filibustering for the sake of it, and that does happen, we need to call it out too. There have been recent situations where we have seen that. To be fair, Ministers have given of their time. There are three particular Ministers who have sat here for debate after debate and given many hours, as they should. It is important that their time is respected as well, but we will certainly look for that meeting. Senator Boyhan also spoke about the need for a meeting with the new Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Niall Collins, in relation to allowances, native trees, climate restoration, training and education. We will certainly look for that.”
“At least if there is a little bit of preparation in relation to it and people have clarity about when they will have water and when they will not have water, people can prepare, but the present system is just not working and it is really wrong. Senator Boyhan spoke about the growing practice of guillotining legislation. Senator Joe Conway mentioned it too. Both have asked that when there is a Leader - I am only Deputy Leader - we have a meeting between the leaders of the different groups. I am certainly happy to support that request. When legislation comes before the House, it is important that we all have honest debate about it. It is important that everybody, including the Opposition, has the opportunity to put down and to debate amendments.”
“There absolutely should be sufficient consultation. We see that on an ongoing basis there is insufficient consultation. It is not good enough. We certainly will ask the Minister to come in in relation to it. The Senator rightly says Uisce Éireann is doing valuable and important work, but its communications are so bad. I know from trying to deal with it on issues around Kildare myself that it gives the wrong communications or it does not give communications at all. It does not respond to concerns from residents in some areas. It does not respond to issues that public representatives raise. It is not good enough, and that is something I have written to the Minister about because when there are problems with water it causes all sorts of issues in communities.”
“The thoroughbred industry is one of the best in the country. It brings billions of euro into the country. We are internationally recognised for it. I have been to the rescue centres but I have also been to our stud farms, as many of us have, and I have been to different areas where horses are bred and looked after and have seen the care and the supports that are given on the stud farms. There are sadly always exceptions but, generally speaking, it is second to none. I just want to draw a division between the two. Definitely, though, the centres should get more funding. I agree with that. Senator Dee Ryan spoke about the wastewater treatment upgrade at Dunlicky Road, which impacts Limerick and parts of Kilkee, and about the lack of sufficient consultation with those who live in the area. That is an issue.”
“Well done to Senator Andrews for going out to see My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue, which does incredible work. I know the Senator is passionate about animal welfare and he has spoken often about it. We certainly need to do more and, as he knows, we have asked the Minister to come here several times to discuss this. The Senator has spoken about the incredible volunteers we have, and we have to give a huge shout-out to all those who are involved in My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue, several of whom I have met, and in all our animal rescues, including the wildlife rescue centre. They are incredible people. However, it is not fair to collate the thoroughbred industry with the unfortunate abuse of horses. The Senator has questioned the supports that are going to the horse industry from the Government.”
“That is a really important standard that we need to support. Certainly, we will look to see if there can be any flexibility around the closing dates in relation to the grants to be able to support the taxi drivers to get those. Senator Andrews spoke also about what Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about and about the "Prime Time" documentary about cocaine kids. I did not see it myself but I will go back and look at it. In a non-political way and a non-adversarial way, we all really need to work on this. I know that the Taoiseach's Department has a special unit on disability, and that is really important, but the next special unit that will sit in a Taoiseach's office has to be around drugs. It is impacting - I will not say every home but certainly every community, every street, every village and many of our homes.”
“The Senator said that no accounts had been filed since 2022. That is, I agree, an issue, but there are Departments there and the CRO is there and they absolutely should be chasing this. It is unfair to say that it is a fault of the Government. I do think we need to work with those who have been impacted to try to support them and to be able to try to follow the money and chase it and see what we can get back. Senator Manus Boyle spoke about five young girls aged between 11 and 14. I think three of them were McElhinneys and two were from a Green family. We wish them well as they go to represent Ireland in Canada. The Senator also spoke about the ongoing shortage of taxis and the grants for accessibility. The new ruling is important. Well, it is not new now, but all taxis have to be accessible.”
“The Senator also spoke about JJ Peters, who, at the incredible age of 13, came 11th out of 80 representing Ireland abroad. That is incredible, so go, JJ. I think that is a name we will see for a very long time in sports. Senator Keogan spoke about Tickets.ie, which went into liquidation. It is awful to see as regards several major festivals and the smaller gigs as well because they are incredibly important to small venues and to the artistes and the singers who use them. In fact, within a separate Senators' group, we are doing a whole review of small venues around the country to support these types of artists. It is shocking. We need to ask the Government to look at emergency supports, and I agree with that, but it is not fair to blame the Government in any way for what has happened to Tickets.ie.”
“That was effective during the MetroLink process. We will certainly bring that to the attention of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and ask him to look at it. Senator Ní Chuilinn reminded us that the Oireachtas committee on arts, media and sport was told at its meeting on 28 January last that there is just one athlete support manager - one individual with a very broad remit - who is dealing with up to 250 athletes at any one time. It is so important that we look after our athletes and support them in whatever way we can with the myriad different issues that can arise. Senator Ní Chuilinn spoke about two different organisations that have now advertised to have athlete board executives, and that is important, as is the need for a sports integrity unit. We support that and will bring that message back to the Minister.”
“Senator Murphy also mentioned that finally, after 37 years, Pat Finucane's family has secured an inquiry. I know that is something we have always supported here. The Irish Government has always supported that so I certainly welcome that and wish the Finucane family well. Senator Crowe said that the granting of planning for the Galway city ring-road is not a silver bullet. When the ring-road is established, it will play a really big part in addressing the huge traffic challenges that are there. Very significant funding has been given by the Government; a figure of €800 million. The point the Senator made about judicial reviews is correct. People have a right to do that. Homeowners who are impacted absolutely have a right to question the process but it is important that we have mediation at this point in time to avoid waiting and waiting.”
“Really, they are checking to see the colour of people's skin. We know that. I saw some anecdotal evidence of people living in Belfast who are not from Ireland, Belfast or Northern Ireland but are providing incredible supports, particularly in the health sector. They have had to flee their homes and try to find safe homes in other places. It is shocking to see. We all need to be very clear and unequivocal in calling this out for what it is. It is blatant racism. The Senator spoke eloquently about what leadership means. He is right in saying that leadership is about honest dialogue, based on respect and tolerance. As a community, we all would have hoped that in Northern Ireland, and particularly in Belfast, they would have learned so much over the last few years about that. We certainly hope that things will improve there.”
“I absolutely understand where the Senator is coming from. There are very many reasons we are all concerned about the possibility of this match happening in Ireland. It is a difficult situation for the FAI and the Irish players. I gather from recent conversations and items we have heard on the news that there is a very strong possibility that this match will be moved from Ireland to a more neutral venue. I certainly ask for and echo the call for clarity. If that will happen, the announcement needs to be made about that so we know what we are dealing with. Senator Murphy spoke about the second night of rioting in Belfast. It is shocking to witness. It brings back memories of long ago when we saw this type of horrific activity. People are going around to houses and checking who is there.”
“One is for the Arch Club, which is celebrating its 40-year anniversary. Arch Clubs do incredible work, along with the Special Olympics, and many of the same young people are involved in both. They provide a terrific place for social connection for young people with intellectual disabilities and also provide support and connection for parents. I congratulate the Arch Club in Ballina and also the Moy Singers, who are celebrating their 40-year anniversary on Saturday evening. They were also part of the celebrations to mark 40 years of Knock Airport over the past few weeks, which celebrated Monsignor Horan and his incredible vision, dream and reality at Knock Airport. Senator Joe Conway, who spoke about the Ireland-Israel match, wants a debate with the Minister for justice on mounting concerns about security challenges.”
“It is very concerning. He spoke about all of the different agencies across the board that are talking about this. I visited Cuan Mhuire, which is one such agency, recently with the Minister of State, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Nicola Kelly and the chair, Paul O'Donoghue. They do incredible work there and we spoke about exactly that issue. This weekend, Cuan Mhuire, which was set up by Sr. Consilio, is celebrating its 60-year anniversary. I congratulate Cuan Mhuire on all the work it is doing and continues to do, the lives that are saved and the lives it will continue to save in the future. Senator McCarthy asked for a mature debate and to look at resources across different Departments. Senator Duffy will have a very busy weekend in Ballina with two really big celebrations happening this weekend.”
“It is very clear there is a cohort of people using a number of different drugs. It is very concerning, particularly when we see young children's lives robbed when they are used to peddle and deliver drugs. It has to be a huge concern for us. There has to be a universal, targeted approach. There has to be a whole-of-community approach. The solution cannot just be with the gardaí or indeed, with the Government. All sectors of society need to work together. Senator Fitzpatrick is right. We need an opportunity to debate this report. I know that the Joint Committee on Drugs Use will be finishing its work quite soon. The report will be laid before both Houses but I will ask, as a priority, that we have a debate in this House about the European report. Senator McCarthy also spoke about drugs, cannabis and the strong connection with psychosis.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the 16 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business this morning. We started with Senator Fitzpatrick, who spoke about the EU report which was issued during the week about the challenges we face in Ireland and across Europe with increasing drug use. It is a concern. Senator Fitzpatrick is absolutely correct in saying that we have to view it as a public health crisis, not just a criminal justice issue. In Ireland alone last year, there were 343 people who passed away from drug poisoning. That is almost one person per day. Of course, there is an impact not just on those who have sadly passed away but also on the lives of the loved ones of those who are using and abusing drugs. Eight out of ten of those deaths showed more than two drugs used.”
“1 a , whichever is the later, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes, with the Minister to be given no less than eight minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 3., Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Resumed), to be taken at 2.15 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 2, whichever is the later, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Meath County Council) (Parts of Administrative Area) Order 2026, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 1 a , Media Regulation Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 12.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes and all other Senators not to exceed three minutes, with the Minister to be given no less than eight minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. or on the conclusion of No.”
“People who grow up in rural Ireland, who volunteer in their community and send their children to school should have the right to live in their own area of choice beside their friends and families. I know that the Ministers of State, Deputies O'Sullivan and Cummins, and the Minister, Deputy Browne, are working on a new statement. It would be good to get an update on where we are at now. Timing is everything and there is a level of impatience about when we can see that.”
“Families are unable to build on their own land. Young people are forced to leave their communities. There are schools losing students and GAA teams not being able to field players. There are all of these reasons. Farm succession is becoming harder and, of course, there is the intergenerational aspect where we need to have different generations living close together to support one another. Grandparents can be supported as they grow older and grandparents can help with children as they are born to the next generation. We need more flexibility. We need to encourage more sustainable building networks. We need to reduce the pressure on the urban housing markets. That pressure is happening because the rural areas are being ignored. The greatest threat to rural Ireland is depopulation, not development.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, for being here. I also thank him and the Minister, Deputy Browne, for listening to those of us at many different parliamentary party meetings who have brought up this issue and feel very passionately that change is needed. It is not just about change, but also balance and consistency. While we believe that rural housing should be a part of addressing the housing crisis, unfortunately, there are many local authorities that feel differently about it, so there is no consistency across the country. We need change. We understand that there have to be concerns about the environment. That needs to be taken on board, and nobody thinks any differently. However, there are consequences to the over-regulation of planning, which we are seeing happen at the moment.”
“I want to mention a visa application from a group of 20 dancers, musicians and youth leaders from the Lajee Center in Palestine who have applied for visas to do a cultural tour of Ireland. This has happened on a number of occasions. It is an important cultural exchange. Their visa applications were lodged last week to do a tour in July. I would appreciate the Acting Leader's support in terms of asking that these visas be dealt with in a timely fashion. We must do everything we can to make sure this can happen and to give a glimmer of light, life and hope to those 20 individuals.”
“The horticulture industry is incredibly important and I would like to see a debate in the House with the Minister on supporting Irish horticulture. The Special Olympics Ireland games start on Thursday, 18 June, with the opening ceremony in Tallaght. We will have 1,200 athletes from around the island of Ireland competing in 12 sports. There are 600 coaches and 2,500 volunteers involved in making these games an incredible experience for the athletes and all involved. They are just a fraction of the athletes involved day in, day out in local clubs, communities and centres. This is an important milestone because it is the qualifier for representing Ireland in Santiago, Chile, next year. I wish all the athletes the best of luck and thank everybody involved, including the 2,500 volunteers, in ensuring the games are a great success.”
“I extend a welcome on behalf of Fianna Fáil to the ambassador. I look forward to working with him. I extend a warm congratulations to all involved in Bloom this year. It was incredibly successful and I want to recognise the outstanding achievement of Newbridge native Joe Eustace, who won the gold medal at Bord Bia Bloom for his "Future In Mind" garden. The garden was also named best in the medium garden and planting categories. Joe is only 24 years of age. His dad Ken is very well known for his work in the business. Joe has demonstrated exceptional creative talent in the horticultural area and it is credit to him and all who support him. Kieran Dunne and Kildare Growers also had very successful exhibits at Bloom.”
“It was just incredible to meet them, their dad Glenn and everyone around them. This has to matter. It cannot just be about fundraising. They have raised over €2 million, which is absolutely incredible. Half of that money is going to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. It has to matter and we have to make it matter. The Government has to make it matter in terms of helping to support research and support those with dementia and their carers. Equally, all of us within our society and communities have to think in terms of making our towns dementia friendly. It is a great thing to do for those who are living with dementia and their carers. I think we need to have a debate about how we can make their legacy matter, how we can make what we saw around the country matter and how we can all work together on that.”
“We worked together and I drafted a Bill called Jennie's law, which went through a number of iterations here in the Seanad. I am really pleased to say that it got Cabinet approval today with the help of everyone in the Dáil and the Seanad. This may well become legislation before the end of the summer. It is an important step in helping to protect victims of domestic violence and provide people with information that could help keep them safe. It is a lasting legacy for Jennie and hopefully it will save many lives. The last thing I would like to mention is the frontotemporal dementia, FTD, brothers. I spoke about them the week before last and then had the opportunity to meet Jordan and Cian, who have taken this incredible race of 33 marathons in 33 days. They are racing against time because they both have the gene for FTD.”
“I want to pay tribute to him because there were a lot of twists and corners, as there often are, as regards site acquisition in particular. What has happened is good. I was delighted to work with the campaign. I worked with our local Offaly representatives as well, including Barry Cowen, MEP, in his time as a TD and with Deputy Tony McCormack. It is just great to see this development and I want to note it, and I thank all of those involved. Today is a significant day in terms of Cabinet approval of Jennie's law. I first met Jason Poole when Deputy Paul McAuliffe introduced me to him a number of years ago. I was very struck by his story, as were many, and was determined to try to help with what he clearly saw as a void in our legislation.”
“On behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping here, I also extend our deepest sympathies. First, I wish Katie McCabe and her team the very best of luck tonight in Grenoble at 8 p.m. This is a very significant match. We are all hearing about another match, but for now, this is very important; it is the World Cup qualifier. Thinking back to when I was growing up, there was not really a thought of women's football being able to compete at this level or indeed at all, so it is fantastic for our Irish women and I wish them all the best. Last week, the midlands hospice was finally given the green light for much-needed palliative care for those who live in the midlands. It was a very long and challenging road, but Professor Humphrey O'Connor led a grassroots campaign for this.”
“I was at every one of those meetings. We heard very difficult testimonies. It was a difficult decision that we made collectively. Something that I consistently said at every meeting was that I come from a county that hosts Intel, which gives 4,500 jobs in my county and there are a lot of other jobs around it. The combined investment that Intel has given to this country is over €30 billion. We have a lot of other US companies such as Pfizer, Apple, Microsoft, Boston Scientific, etc. There is a real concern about the boycott legislation. Some 38 of the US states have boycott legislation-----”
“I apologise, I did not hear it, but I thought he would have mentioned more about it because we were clear in the motion that it was one of the reasons we wanted to put it there. In response to Senator Stephenson, I reiterate that collective actions at an EU level will have a far greater impact than anything that we can do. It is important that as a country we take action where we can, and the Minister of State has outlined several different places. In relation to the occupied territories Bill, the Government has a responsibility to ensure that any legislation is capable of being implemented effectively and that it is legally robust and able to withstand a challenge. The advice of the Attorney General is that would not be the case if services were included. Senator Black spoke about the foreign affairs committee.”
“We are trying to work and act in a meaningful way across a number of different areas but this is an important motion. I meet the Palestinian ambassador on a regular basis, as do many of us. In fact, I am meeting her tomorrow night. She consistently talks about the support that she and her people are getting from the Government and from the Irish people. That is a fact, and I want to state it in this House. I am surprised that Senator Andrews did not mention the flotilla and the 14 citizens that were caught up on it considering that he was caught up-----”
“It is shocking and what he stands for is most certainly not what the vast majority of Israeli people or, I should say, Jewish people, stand for. I thank those who support this Bill. I thank Senators Ahearn and McDowell. In response to Senator Andrews, this Bill is not about the occupied territories. It is clearly something completely different. It is wrong to come in and just speak about the occupied territories Bill and there is action on that. The Cabinet discussed it on Tuesday and the Minister has stated that we will deal with it before recess. I thank Senator Black for all of the work she has done in relation to that. If we succeed in getting the EU-Israeli agreement suspended, it will have a far greater impact than the occupied territories Bill.”
“I did not realise when we were working collectively on this motion that today marked two years since we recognised the State of Palestine. It is important to acknowledge that and to state that as it did set an example to other European countries, it is unfair and incorrect to say that the work that has been carried out by the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and the Government does not have any repercussions in a positive way because it clearly does. What the Minister of State said in relation to the Government distinguishing between the policies of the current Israeli Government and the Israeli people is correct. Senator McDowell also referred to that. The Netanyahu Government has led to such a level of antisemitism around the world.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. As we prepare to assume the role of the EU Presidency, I want to acknowledge all the work that the Minister of State has been doing and to counteract what Senator Clonan said, he is completely not out of his depth. He is totally in charge of his brief. I have seen him operate in Strasbourg and Brussels with his peers and-----”
“As violations of international law continue in Gaza and the West Bank in an atmosphere of impunity, the treatment of the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla is yet another expression of Israel's disregard for the rule of law and, as such, forms part of a pattern of behaviour that the Government has consistently argued requires an appropriate response by the EU. I commend this motion to the House.”
“Thankfully, we know that the detainees were released and are safely home, but it is shocking to listen to their stories about how they were treated. We in this House have to absolutely condemn the way they were treated on a humanitarian mission bringing humanitarian aid. While they were in the detention centre and at Ramon international airport, a team from the Irish Embassy went to meet with them to give consular advice to Irish citizens but that was not permitted. That too is shocking.”
“The detainees began to arrive at Ashdod port in the early hours of the morning of 20 May. That afternoon, video footage circulated by Israel's national security minister showed detained participants, including Irish citizens, being treated with an incredible lack of dignity and respect. In response, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade made statements condemning this treatment as well as demanding the immediate release of the Irish citizens. At that point the Taoiseach wrote again to the President of the European Council, António Costa, to express grave concern regarding the shocking treatment of EU citizens from the Sumud flotilla and the unacceptable behaviour of the minister.”
“Compounding this unequal treatment, Palestinians in the West Bank are tried in military courts and Israelis are tried in civilian courts. Ireland as a country has condemned the law passed by the Israeli Parliament to expand the scope of the death penalty. Ireland is consistently and strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances, but we have to be particularly concerned about the discriminatory nature of the law as it relates to Palestinians. The implementation of this law would give rise to very serious breaches of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. In regard to the flotilla, we know that an Israeli interception operation began on 18 May. Fourteen Irish citizens were detained over the course of these operations between 18 and 19 May.”
“Israeli military operations have displaced at least 40,000 people since January 2025 and have caused widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and homes. I wish to raise some of the recent legislation in Israel, which is absolutely shocking. On 30 March, the Israeli Knesset passed a Bill mandating death by hanging as the default punishment for West Bank residents convicted of terrorist acts by a military court. The law will apply differently in the West Bank and in Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli citizens and residents are explicitly excluded, with the legislation specifying that it shall not apply to them. This is basically targeting nationalistic motives attributed to Palestinians while effectively exempting Israeli citizens.”
“Humanitarian conditions remain dire and life threatening, with the humanitarian aid operating environment massively constrained by Israeli-imposed import restrictions and impeded movement of UN agencies and NGOs. As a country and as a nation, we continue to have very grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Since the Gaza ceasefire, 834 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and over 2,300 injured in Israeli military operations. There is also very deep concern regarding the sharply deteriorating situation in the West Bank, particularly the massive expansion of settlements and the rampant and escalating settler violence, which continues in an atmosphere of impunity.”
“Israel is the EU's 27th largest trading partner, representing about 0.8% of the EU's total trade in goods with the world in 2025. Israel is the EU's third biggest trading partner in the Mediterranean region after Morocco and Egypt. The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner, accounting for 31.7% of Israel's total trade in goods with the world in 2025. A total of 33.1% of Israel's imports came from the EU while 29.4% of the country's exports went to the EU. The total trade in goods between the EU and Israel in 2025 amounted to €43.3 billion. We all know, sadly, that the situation in Gaza has deteriorated since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran.”
“At the May 2026 Foreign Affairs Council, foreign Ministers finally reached political agreement on the Commission's proposal to sanction extremist Israeli settlers and entities, as well as leading Hamas figures. This followed the decision of the new Hungarian Government to lift its previous veto on the proposal. That is important. That is why the change in the Hungarian Government was important in terms of how we move forward. At that meeting, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, welcomed the decision on sanctions, and once again called on the EU to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement or at a minimum to suspend the trade elements of the agreement as previously proposed by the European Commission. When we look at the statistics and figures we see that trade relations are important.”
“It is clear from the finalised review that Israel is in breach of its human rights obligations. That is significant in itself. We all know how long sometimes it can take to get agreement and get final significant findings. Ireland has always been very forthright at EU level that there must be concrete options for follow-up action to this review. The review cannot just happen on its own and have findings that are not acted on. In advance of the April 2026 Foreign Affairs Council, the foreign Ministers of Ireland, Spain and Slovenia wrote to request a discussion on the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the next meeting of Ministers. At that time in that correspondence, the three Ministers from those three countries called for the suspension of the association agreement.”