Neale Richmond
Dublin Rathdown · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I am grateful to Deputy Ó Murchú for raising this once again. I welcome the comments by his party leader this week when she declared that this is a great State and a great place to live in. It makes a welcome change from most other days of the week.”
“Another thing that must be looked at when discussing a united Ireland is that a lot of work has to be done to show example from political representatives on the base level of sectarianism that at least two other colleagues on these benches and I put up with every day.”
“They could not decide among themselves in the "Yes" campaign whether they would have a new form of sterling or a currency pegged to sterling or adopt the euro. That is not an issue for us. We join the European Union and we join the euro. It is simple as.”
“I will make a few concluding remarks to follow on from some of the points made by the Taoiseach in his opening iteration because in his 20 minutes he did not cover them all.”
“Over the coming months, we will act impartially serving as an honest broker among our fellow member states to progress many files in areas that were raised here today. Our work will respond to the overall interests and needs of the union, its member states and citizens across Europe.”
“More pertinently to the Deputy's questions, very real charges have been placed in The Irish Times and by other investigative journalists stating that the amounts of alumina being produced from Aughinish are going indirectly to the Russian war machine. If that is the case, it is completely unacceptable.”
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“Needless to say, as the Senator would expect from me, I maintain that humanitarian aid should never be viewed as a benefit to any agreement.”
“This was entirely accurate at that time. I can now confirm that Ireland voted in favour of the Council decision via written procedure on 2 October, indicating that Ireland would not stand in the way of EU consensus and in order to ensure that the EU complied with its legal obligations. However, Ireland also registered procedural and substantive concerns about the Commission's handling of this process. Ireland made clear that we expect to receive regular updates from the Commission on key issues as the agreement is implemented. Ireland also reiterated our view that the compatibility of the agreement with the fundamental principle in international law of the right of people to self-determination should be paramount in the implementation of this agreement.”
“Having been initiated by COREPER I on 1 October, member states were asked to finally vote, via written procedure, on the adoption of the decision on 2 October. The EU and Morocco signed the amended EU-Morocco agreement on 3 October and its provisional application began. The formal process is currently nearing its conclusion. At the time of the Commencement matter on this subject on 30 September, member state negotiations on the replacement agreement had not yet been fully concluded in Brussels. Discussions were still ongoing at official level as regards the decision. As Ireland had not yet taken a final decision on our position on the proposal, and as the vote via written procedure had not yet taken place, it was indicated to the House that negotiations on the replacement agreement had not yet fully concluded in Brussels.”
“In July 2025, the Commission submitted to the Council a recommendation for a Council decision concerning the opening of negotiations on the amendment of the 2018 agreement, in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. The negotiations on the replacement agreement commenced in September, with a view to meeting the deadline of 4 October 2025. On 10 September 2025, the Council adopted, via a written procedure, a decision authorising the opening of negotiations with the Kingdom of Morocco on the amendment of the agreement with the results of the negotiation between the European Commission and Morocco reflected in several documents shared with member states on 22 September via the Customs Union group. The Commission presented the proposal at the Mashreq-Maghreb working party on 25 September.”
“I also wish to clarify that the references to the negotiation process in the information provided to the House on 3 December referred to both the negotiations between the European Commission and Morocco and to the consideration by member states of that agreement. On 4 October 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union upheld the ruling of the General Court of 29 September 2021 annulling the Council decision on the conclusions of the 2018 agreement, in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. This decision required a negotiation of a new agreement between the EU and Morocco. The court set a deadline of 4 October 2025, in that it maintained the effects of the existing Council decision until that date.”
“I am very grateful to Senator Higgins for raising this Commencement matter. I genuinely welcome the opportunity to clarify the concerns raised by the Senator about information provided to the House in the debate on Commencement matters on 3 September. At that time, the Senator asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to update the House on Ireland's position regarding the amendment of an agreement between the EU and Morocco. I wish to underline that the process to conclude the Council's decision concerning the opening of negotiations on the amendment of the 2018 agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco is nearing its conclusion.”
“We have a great opportunity in front of us for the next five years, but we face so many challenges. The only way we will face those challenges is with a resilient and strong budget. It is my privilege to commend this budget and this resolution to the House.”
“Rather than waiting until they come to our shores and dealing with them then, we will invest in communities overseas not just because it is the right thing to do - and it absolutely is - but also because it is in our interests. It is both the selfless and the selfish thing to do. This investment is being made against a backdrop of so many countries turning their backs on the multilateral system. Ireland believes in the United Nations. Ireland believes in the European Union. Ireland has signed up to being a global contributor. We are now one of the 20 richest countries in the world. That is something that should not be taken for granted - it is not taken for granted - and we have to ensure that we deliver a budget that can maintain that level of resilience when so many other countries are looking to make cuts or increase taxes.”
“This is at a time when the world needs that record level of investment because many will give us their hot take to the effect that we are spending money on or giving it to people elsewhere. It has to be said that development and aid represent an investment. We think about the issues that confront some of our constituents on a daily basis, from grocery prices to energy security to the issue of irregular migration to radicalisation to the sheer uncertainty about the direction the world is taking. All of these stem from instability in the global south. While other countries are turning their backs and allowing other actors to fill the gap, Ireland is saying very clearly that we believe in investing at source.”
“More pertinently, I am delighted that at a time when so many western countries are cutting their aid budgets and overseas development aid, ODA, budgets, we in Ireland are saying very clearly that we are not doing so. At a time when the United States has completely abolished its aid budget, when the UK is moving from 0.5% to 0.3% and when traditional donors such as the Nordic countries and the Netherlands are cutting their aid budgets, Ireland will probably be the only EU country next year that will increase its ODA budget. The increase, by €30 million, will bring our ODA budget to €840 million next year. This is a record amount. It is 51 years since Dr. Garrett FitzGerald created Irish Aid, which will now have a record budget.”
“Those were times of famine, civil conflict, double-digit rates of inflation, mass unemployment and a social system which did not respect the rights of minorities or women and which, in comparison with what we have today, did not involve decency. Many of them have found themselves in tough times and are reliant on the organisations that support them, be in Great Britain or, in particular, the United States. Many others are part of a second generation who dearly love this country, care for it and want to make sure they increase our business, artistic, sporting and societal impacts around the world. That is really important and is done through the work of the emigrant support programme.”
“Every commitment made in the programme for Government that we have all signed up to will be delivered during the Government's five-year term. This is the first budget of five, and we will continue to push on. I will take a few minutes to speak specifically to the areas within my remit, as a Minister of State at the Department of foreign affairs. The first is the diaspora. I am delighted that the budget for the emigrant support programme this year will increase by €1 million. Our diaspora is our greatest asset in so many ways. It is made up of the individuals and the descendants of individuals who had to leave this State during much more difficult times.”
“Some of us on this side of the House believe fundamentally in the social market economy. In order to make your society work, you need an economy that works. That is why I am not ashamed to say that this budget absolutely backs businesses of all sizes. It backs investment and will continue to do so. That level of resilience is going to be tested in the coming years, if it is not already being tested. We have effective full employment. The economy continues to grow. There is continuing investment in the State. Nearly 90,000 new jobs will be created this year. Quite frankly, we have the opportunities that other jurisdictions around us do not have. That does not happen by accident. It happens through hard work and sensible decisions.”
“The budget delivered this week by the Ministers, Deputies Donohoe and Chambers, will form the way for a financial resolution. We have already had votes on original motions and have a finance Bill making its way to the Government next week, which will be followed by a social welfare Bill. This is absolutely a budget of resilience that ensures there is investment. It is a pro-business budget. I say that sincerely. It seems to some people that it is bad to be pro-business. Being pro-business is being pro-jobs and pro-profits. It is good for a business to make profit because as the Ceann Comhairle knows, as someone who ran her own business for long enough, the more profit you make, the more people you hire, the more tax you pay and the more funds go into the economy to pay for all the services that everyone requires.”
“It is in that context that we witnessed a budget brought forward to this House, for the tenth year as either Minister for Finance or Minister for public expenditure, by Deputy Donohoe. The budget is absolutely rooted in the principle of resilience. Listening to some of the commentary in this Chamber and beyond in recent days, it is amazing that a €9.4 billion package, focused on investment and balance, is somehow cravenly being labelled as an austerity budget. I was in these Houses as a staff member in the dark days coming out of the financial crash. It was not then about the possibility of cutting some spending. It was about cutting everything and the only question was by how much. We were at that time increasing all taxes and cutting all spending.”
“As a Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am cognisant of the world around us. I am cognisant of exactly what is happening in countries around us, not just from a societal and political point of view, but also from an economic point of view. We stand at a juncture. Countries surrounding us are entering into effective recession. We are in the teeth of a global tariff war and see the return of protectionism. All of that is against the backdrop of a global economy still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and, indeed, continuing to reel from the economic outflow of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine and the cost-of-living issues that have impacted so many people.”
“I am due to be sharing time with other Deputies, who will no doubt be here imminently. We are splitting 25 minutes between four of us. On a serious note, before I commence this debate, I sincerely and personally commend the work of the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who has left the Chamber. That sentiment was echoed by the Ceann Comhairle. Her closing line was an appeal to men of my generation - I am a man of a certain age - to mind not only their own mental health but that of those around them. It cannot be said enough. I have no doubt that is a point on which we are all in agreement, regardless of which side of the Chamber we sit. It is my pleasure to commend this budget to the House and to speak in favour of this financial resolution.”
“In the next three weeks - I wish it were a shorter period - the entire Irish Government at every level will be working to build a coalition in the European Union to get a qualified majority of member states to vote to suspend elements of the trade agreement and to get to a unanimous decision to introduce sanctions. I appeal on the floor of the House to all Members. All of us present are part of wider European networks. The left wing group Sinn Féin is part of has been consistent on this and I acknowledge that. Parties in the European Party of European Socialists and Democrats, including the Labour Party, those who are part of Renew Europe, the liberal alliance and with difficulty in my party, the European People's Party, need to work on our networks and our allies to get the qualified majority by 22 October.”
“For many in this House it seems like a micro step or mini-step, but those of us who have worked at a European Union level - Deputy Ó Murchú and I have spent considerable time engaging previously - will realise that in European terms, this is quite a large step forward. Ireland has consistently called for the EU to take concrete action in response to the egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. This proposal is an opportunity for the EU to demonstrate to its international partners, and crucially to its 350 million citizens, that it is ready to act in the face of the catastrophic situation in Gaza and to stand up for its core principles and respect for international law.”
“Ireland supports all of these proposals. In addition, the Commission announced it was putting bilateral support to Israel on hold with the exception of supports to civil society and Yad Vashem. It is important that, while we rightly condemn and castigate from a height the actions of this Israeli Government and regime that is propelling the IDF into Gaza, unleashing pure hellfire on the people of Gaza, there are tens of thousands of people in Israel who oppose this action and are rightly outraged by the actions of their Government. We have seen them on the streets of such cities as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa as well as joining protests in Ireland, representing the community. The proposals by the European Commission represent a significant step forward.”
“I have already received confirmation from my ministerial counterparts in countries such as Spain and Slovenia, within the European Union, and Norway, outside the European Union, that have said if we get this right, they will absolutely copy and paste it. Then we will be able to build a coalition across the western world to make sure the economic gains coming from those occupied Palestinian territories are not allowed to continue. I would like to use my remaining three minutes to refer to events at an EU level. They are increasingly important over the coming days and weeks. Ireland strongly welcomes the proposals from the European Commission to suspend the core trade related provisions of the EU-Israel association agreement. The package also proposes sanctions on extremist Israeli Ministers and violent settlers as well as Hamas.”
“As the Tánaiste outlined in his opening address, and has consistently said for the past while, we are absolutely committed to bringing to the House imminently a piece of legislation that is fit for purpose. We have, understandably, talked a lot about international law in these Chambers and making sure that the rule of law is respected. We will ensure a piece of legislation will come to the House, one that all parties will be able to support. Some will say it will not go far enough, and I accept that now, based on their long-held political beliefs or involvement in the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement or whatever else.”
“That is why formal recognition of the State of Palestine is not merely symbolic. I am proud of the leadership Ireland showed, together with Spain, Norway and Slovenia, in paving the way for recognition by others, including France and the United Kingdom, as well as Australia, two of which are permanent members of the UN Security Council. Their decision, while delayed, is welcome. We have to welcome it. At times of absolute darkness, we do need to seize the very few chinks of light. A number of Deputies have understandably and rightly raised the issue of the occupied territories Bill, following the hearings at the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade in the summer months.”
“A ceasefire is urgent, but a ceasefire alone is not sufficient to end decades of bitter conflict. That is why Ireland is deeply committed to a just and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ireland was an active participant at a conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia at the UN in New York in July that was attended by over 130 countries. Ireland was part of a core group of 19 countries that prepared the conference and negotiated the outcome document, the New York Declaration, with subsequent follow-on meeting attended last week at the UN General Assembly by both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach. A lasting and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must, of course, include the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state, alongside a safe and secure State of Israel.”
“The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, is completely seized of their own personal situation. Anyone who took time to speak to Bushra and Mohammed in the Gallery had to have been touched, as any human being would be. I acknowledge the continuing advocacy from my party colleague, Deputy Brian Brennan, on the need to not forget the horrors we are seeing in Gaza and to be prepared for the rebuilding work. I am extremely grateful for his attendance, at his own expense, not just to meet people on the ground in Egypt, but also at the UN General Assembly last week where he plied a very important parliamentary impact. Beyond that we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture, namely, the enduring need for a comprehensive political solution leading to an independent Palestinian state.”
“I urge the Israeli authorities to rescind legislation banning UNRWA operations in Israel and the occupied Palestine territory, which is having devastating consequences for UNRWA's operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and in Gaza. There is no realistic alternative to UNRWA, which has a mandate from the UN General Assembly. We have seen scores of Palestinian people come to Ireland both for study but also to receive medical attention. I am extremely grateful to my constituency colleague, Deputy Sinéad Gibney, for bringing in Bushra and Mohammed. Knowing that, while their father has been killed by the Israelis, there are still siblings and children in Gaza, and we will continue to work with all parties in the House to make sure families can be unified in a timely manner.”
“That is a shame that lands on pretty much the entire western world, and I have no issue saying that, because from a humanitarian perspective, Ireland has provided over €95 million in support for the people of Palestine since January 2023, of which, more than €83 million has been provided since October 2023. This includes €58 million to UNRWA since 2023 to support its programmes in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Ireland will continue to support the Palestinian people, including through UNRWA. I am deeply concerned by the Israeli Government's attempts to smear the good name of UNRWA, including through a propaganda campaign targeting donor countries.”
“International law, including international humanitarian law, is not optional; it is an obligation that must be adhered to. It is a crying shame that two Members of these Houses have had to follow in the footsteps of other Members of the Houses and joined hundreds of activists from around the world to try to simply break a humanitarian blockade. I have already spoken to Deputy Barry Heneghan today and colleagues have mentioned Senator Chris Andrews. I absolutely respect what they are doing, but it is an utter shame that they have to do it.”
“In particular, I welcome the sincere engagement of states in the wider region to secure a path to peace and their willingness to work with the US, European and international partners to achieve this goal. There is no such thing as perfection in this situation, but an end to the sheer, bloody slaughter as a first port is certainly something we should all aspire to. Israelis have the right to live in peace and security but so do Palestinians. However, international law limits the use of force in self-defence to no more than what is necessary and proportionate. The Government's position has been clear for some time now: Israel is breaking international law in its military response to the Hamas attack, and it is, in fact, engaging in genocide.”
“The Government has been crystal clear that this is a man-made famine. Forced displacement, destruction of civilian infrastructure and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid by Israeli authorities have only compounded the catastrophic humanitarian disaster we see unfolding in Gaza. The heinous attacks launched by Hamas against Israel on 7 October were reprehensible. We have consistently and rightly condemned the terrorist organisation that is Hamas prior to and since October 7. Hamas has brought nothing but death and destruction to Palestine and Israel. I welcome the ongoing US efforts to end the war in Gaza. We hope and, indeed, pray that Monday's announcement from the White House is a further step towards the peace that is so desperately needed.”
“I thank all Deputies for their very sincere and heartfelt contributions to what is, once again, an extremely difficult debate that has taken place against the backdrop of a genocide and a famine unfolding on our television screens or on our mobile phones in our pockets. Let me be clear from the outset: there is no room for ambiguity. The war in Gaza must end. There must be an immediate ceasefire. The unconditional and immediate release of hostages held by Hamas is an absolute imperative. Israel must fully lift the blockade and allow humanitarian assistance at scale into Gaza, delivered by UN agencies including UNRWA and partner humanitarian organisations. It is a sobering reality that famine has been declared by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification in Gaza City and it is likely to spread throughout the Gaza Strip.”
“To Deputy McDonald's point, we will continue to act out. We are more than happy to co-operate to continue to further every move going forward.”
“People are in contact with the designated contact person from the flotilla, of course, with the families, with the loved ones and with other Government agencies and observers. During tomorrow's debate, we will obviously have to be, from a Government point of view, open to suggestions to work. When we work as a collective in the Dáil, we are able to disagree on certain things but agree on the big issues and thereby make an impactful statement, as has been made by Deputies across here. I give the House that undertaking here today. We can respond in kind but we hope we will not need to respond. This debate brings out the depth of feeling in this Chamber collectively, and outside the Chamber to a greater extent, about the genocide that is happening against the people of Gaza and how we must continue not only to speak out, but also to act out.”
“The points that the Deputy raises are true. I refer to our ongoing co-operation with EU member states that are carrying out the work that the Deputy is doing. We very much are open to all suggestions. On the Order of Business earlier this afternoon, Deputy Mac Lochlainn raised the point in relation to a need for flexibility. We will have a long debate on Gaza tomorrow. As we enter the hours of darkness here - they are already in darkness in the Mediterranean - we hope and pray that as the 60-mile limit is reached, nothing untoward happens to anyone and the actions that have previously been taken by the Israeli war machine are not repeated. Tomorrow, we will wake and see what happens and hear what is reported on the news.”
“There was a special informal Foreign Affairs Council meeting of EU Ministers. Every waking hour is being dedicated to make sure that the minor, I would suggest, but first step, proposals from the European Commission President are passed using QMV. We will continue to work at that. I am assured by the Tánaiste that we will have a version of the occupied territories Bill on the floor of this House extremely soon. Deputy Murphy and I have known each other for well over 20 years. We very rarely agree, but when we do, good things can happen. I remember being on that march with the Deputy and Deputy Coppinger over 20 years ago during the time of the Iraq War and there are various other referendums we can cite. I acknowledge the Deputy's previous involvement in other flotillas and his commitment to this.”
“We have supported them, but yet still we see humanitarians, nurses, workers and everyone else, victims of assassinations and death. In relation to Deputies Cairns and Gibney who asked us to engage with our counterparts, this is already being done with, obviously, the Spanish Government, which we have worked closely with over the past 18 months through the Tánaiste, but also with all EU member states and the EU institutions, as the Tánaiste laid out in relation to his contact with Kaja Kallas. In relation to Deputy Stanley's point on the EU-Israel trade association agreement, the results of the next European Council meeting are something that we are working on proactively at present. I was lucky to join the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and, indeed, Deputy Brennan at the UN General Assembly.”
“As the Minister of State with special responsibility for international development, it is important for me to put on the record the exact notion that due to the actions of the Israeli Government this is the most dangerous year in the history of mankind to be a humanitarian aid worker. More than 350 humanitarian aid workers have been killed in this calendar year. Last week, at the UN, I joined the Australian foreign minister to sign a declaration to say, "No more and let us work against it". There are so many brave humanitarians in Gaza. They are supported by the Irish Government, through the World Food Programme, through UNRWA and, indeed, through the air drops that Deputy Tóibín mentioned. These air drops have been carried out, by friendly nations in the Arab world and by our friends in Belgium.”
“In the four minutes or so I have, I am going to try my best to try to reply constructively to some of the points made by the Deputies opposite, from all parties and none, as well as to relay a message I received from Deputy Barry Heneghan when we spoke this morning. He is on the Thousand Madleens to Gaza flotilla. He asked me to convey to the House, because he could not be here to do so himself, that this is first and foremost a humanitarian exercise. We heard in Deputy Smith's contribution exactly why that must be. We are witnessing a man-made famine that can be reversed by the actions of man. We are seeing children emaciated on our television every night.”
“I join with everyone in acknowledging the friends, family and supporters of those on the flotilla who join us in the Gallery. I thank them as representatives of their loved ones, but also for their own advocacy. In closing today’s session, I echo the sentiments expressed throughout the House in conveying my deep concern over reports of attacks on the flotilla and take this opportunity to reiterate that no unlawful or violent acts should be undertaken against those involved. In his earlier remarks, the Tánaiste set out the range of diplomatic and political actions that have been taken to ensure the safety of Irish citizens aboard the flotilla, as well as the consular services provided.”
“I will conclude by referencing humanitarian aid, Ireland's track record and the work of bodies like Trócaire and many other aid agencies in Gaza over many years, aid programmes that are now suspended. We are at a very delicate time in global history, when far too many actors are cutting their overseas development aid. Against that, Ireland increased its overseas development aid budget. When the rest of the EU suspended funding to UNRWA, we increased our funding to UNRWA. Of course, we can do more, and we will absolutely do more for the people of Gaza.”
“I can confirm to the House that I have already had engagement with the Slovenian foreign minister and just last week with the Norwegian minister, who said that if we managed to pass legislation that sought to do what they wanted us to do in terms of the occupied territories Bill for goods and, indeed, services and if that was feasible, they would replicate that legislation. That is how we build the coalition the Deputy spoke of in his opening intervention. I think about the review of the EU-Israel association agreement that Ireland secured, but it is now up to the EU to act. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, has raised this repeatedly at the General Affairs Council to make sure there is real action. We are looking at how other states have sanctioned Israeli ministers and at what options there are to also do that at an EU level.”
“I do not know. I do not think we are doing enough. I do not think any of us are doing enough because, ultimately, there will be scores of Palestinian children killed tonight. I think we accept that with heavy hearts, but I wonder what more we can do than what we are doing. It is important that we constantly have this debate. That is why I repeat my genuine gratitude to the Deputy for tabling this debate and giving us this opportunity to discuss what has been done and what more can be done. The Deputy is right to talk about the moral imperative. There is also a legal imperative based on the International Court of Justice, ICJ. Ireland has acted on that and become a party to the case. The Deputy understandably mentioned the occupied territories Bill, which is with the committee at this point.”
“Consistently at an EU level, however, Ireland puts the case about why, over a year ago, Norway, Spain and Ireland recognised the State of Palestine and why we are encouraging and working with other EU partner member states to do likewise this year.”
“We are talking about tarpaulin and ground sheets. We are not talking about anything advanced. It is simply a bit of shelter, food and medicine - the basic elements. In relation to building a coalition, when Ireland proposed over a year ago the review of the EU-Israel association agreement by reviewing Article 2, based on human rights abuses, only two EU member states backed that, those being, Ireland and Spain. At the meeting I attended six weeks ago, that number was up to 19 member states and the review subsequently and obviously found vicious human rights abuses. Equally, regarding the coalition to build towards a two-state solution, there was to be a large conference co-organised by the French and the Saudis in New York at the start of last month. Unfortunately, the escalation of violence involving the Iranians led to its suspension.”
“To respond to the Deputy’s specific questions and for the interest of the House, when he talks about the commitment in the programme for Government to work with partners, the Tánaiste met the Prime Minister of Qatar just last week and the Taoiseach has been in constant engagement with regional partners. The Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and I have attended countless meetings at EU, UN and multilateral levels to work with partners, including to see if we can partner with the United Arab Emirates to get an element of humanitarian surge. On the first day that humanitarian aid was let back into Gaza, just 91 trucks were let in and, of those, 60 came from the UAE. Ireland has had two trucks of aid stuck in Jordan for over 70 days at this point. When I talk about aid, it is important to break down what we are talking about.”
“Our support this year includes €20 million in core funding to UNRWA, which brings Ireland’s support to UNRWA to €58 million since the beginning of 2023. I continue to urge our partners to increase their support to UNRWA and I welcome the EU’s payment of €52 million to UNRWA in June. I encourage the rapid payment of the balance of the EU’s 2025 funding, amounting to €30 million. Despite the expulsion of many international aid workers, there are still over 3,000 local staff working for UNRWA on the ground and providing vital humanitarian aid.”
“After a total Israeli blockade from 2 March to 27 May, and only a trickle of aid in the last few weeks, my Government colleagues and I share the UN’s concerns that Israel’s new model for delivering aid into Gaza through private contractors, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is not in accordance with humanitarian principles. Ireland stands ready and is more than standing ready. Ireland has acted, both in the form of our Government but also more collectively in this Parliament, not just to show our solidarity with the people of Palestine in Gaza, but also Jerusalem and the West Bank, which perhaps does not get the mention it deserves at times. Ireland has provided over €88 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. In 2025, we have provided €22 million so far and a further €4 million will be provided this month.”
“I genuinely and sincerely thank Deputy Crowe for tabling this very timely Topical Issue. Even though it is a late hour, it is the most appropriate opportunity to talk about a key aspect of a vicious and bloody conflict that has seized the Irish and global body politic for quite some time, particularly since the horrific events of 7 October, followed by the brutal and unacceptable response of the Israeli Government. The latest statistics are even worse than the Deputy laid out. The humanitarian situation worsens daily with more than 57,000 reportedly killed and more than 134,000 - probably 135,000 by the time I sit down - injured.”
“At some stage in politics, we all have to live with agreeing to disagree. However, improvements can always be made to legislation and that requires the full engagement of all aspects of the House. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Heydon, will be more than happy to go along that path with the Senator as quickly as possible.”
“I will make three points in very brief reply to the Senator. First, with regard to the use of the word "type" and how it came to be and the need to separate, there is an XL breed but then, within the breed, there are types of dogs. That is the differentiation that was sought because there is a very specific thing at play here. In terms of the training in respect of identification and those processes, I fully take the Senator's points on board, but I have been reassured that those processes are in place as best as is possible. It does come to the issue with regard to the ideological and ethical issue of whether one believe bans work or not. The Government has made a decision to ban this type of breed of dog for very particular high-profile reasons, and we are not alone in doing that.”