Robert Troy
Ceist:1. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach for a report on his attendance at the special European Council on 17 and 18 April 2024. [18052/24]
Ceisteanna - Questions
European Council
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the recent special meeting of the European Council. [20459/24]
Paul Murphy
Ceist:3. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the recent special meeting of the European Council. [20462/24]
Bríd Smith
Ceist:4. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the recent special meeting of the European Council. [20465/24]
Mick Barry
Ceist:5. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the recent special meeting of the European Council. [20873/24]
Seán Haughey
Ceist:6. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the special European Council on 17 and 18 April 2024. [21522/24]
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:7. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the recent special meeting of the European Council. [21523/24]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together.
I attended a special European Council meeting in Brussels on 17 and 18 April. On 17 April, we heard from the President of the European Parliament and from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, the latter by video link. Over a working dinner, we discussed a range of international issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East and the EU's relations with Türkiye. On 18 April, we had a comprehensive discussion on Europe's competitiveness and the need to reinvigorate the Single Market.
On Ukraine, we reiterated our full and unwavering support for Ukraine, its people and its territorial sovereignty. We condemned Russia's continued attacks against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, particularly the targeting of the energy sector. We discussed the current security situation, including the urgent need for air defence systems to protect Ukraine's cities and infrastructure and the need to accelerate the delivery of military, humanitarian and civil assistance. In my contribution, I pressed for accession negotiations with Ukraine to begin as soon as possible, ideally before the summer. This would send a strong message to Putin that Ukraine's future is within the European Union family.
On the Middle East, the European Council condemned Iran's attack on Israel, calling on Iran to completely cease all attacks. We urged all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid any escalation of conflict in the region. We also agreed to impose further sanctions on Iran. This work is being carried forward by the Foreign Affairs Council.
On Gaza, leaders reaffirmed our commitment to work with partners to end the crisis and to reach an immediate ceasefire, to secure the unconditional release of all hostages and to provide unhindered humanitarian aid. We reiterated our support for a two-state solution. In that context, I strongly set out Ireland's intention to recognise the state of Palestine.
As the House is aware, the situation in Lebanon remains very fragile. The European Council expressed its determination to support the most vulnerable in Lebanon and to assist in combating human trafficking and smuggling.
In our strategic debate on relations with Türkiye, we acknowledged that the EU has a strategic interest in maintaining a secure and stable environment in the eastern Mediterranean. We also emphasised the importance of progress on the Cyprus settlement talks within the United Nations framework.
On the second day of our meeting, the former Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, presented his recent report on the future of the Single Market. Ireland is among a large number of member states that are like-minded on the need to deepen and strengthen the Single Market, including for services, and to work constantly to improve our competitiveness, to advance and open an ambitious trade agenda, and to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for countries and enterprises. At our meeting, we agreed on the need to reinvigorate the Single Market as the key driver of European competitiveness and asked for a new horizontal Single Market strategy to be prepared by June 2025. This should contain concrete steps to improve conditions for investment and entrepreneurship in the decades ahead, as well as reducing red tape and removing barriers.
Driving forward the green and digital transformations, as well as meeting our increased security needs in coming years, will require significant investment. Mobilising private finance, including in partnership with public funding, will be essential. We, therefore, agreed on the need to deepen capital markets union in the EU. On agriculture, leaders acknowledged the importance of the sector and its key role in food security and the EU's strategic autonomy.
I am struck by the extraordinary double standards that the European Union displays and the Taoiseach seems to go along with when we look at the contrast between the way in which the Ukrainian situation is presented and the way in which the Palestinian situation is presented. It may just be a symbolic thing but tomorrow is Nakba, the anniversary of the catastrophe, as it is known to the Palestinians, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were ethnically cleansed, using extreme violence, in 1948. Millions of them are refugees and under international law are allowed back, but Israel has no intention of ever letting them back and has made that absolutely clear. We cannot even fly the Palestinian flag here in the Oireachtas, although we fly the Ukrainian flag.
At the European Council, we start with Ukraine, affirming absolute support for Ukraine against what is the brutal invasion by Putin, and then we come to Israel and Iran. There are immediate sanctions for Iran but, from what I hear, no mention of the attack by the Israelis on the Iranian consulate. I am not justifying bombing by anybody but just pointing to the double standards. There is no mention of sanctions against Israel for what the International Court of Justice says is a plausible genocide and most sentient people, looking at the horror that is now intensifying in Rafah and has gone on for the past seven months, would say is a genocide.
It is happy to impose sanctions on Russia and Iran but there are no sanctions on Israel despite the fact that it is probably - definitely, in my opinion - committing a genocide against the Palestinian people.
I understand that the special European Council had some discussion on economic matters, including the position of small business and supports for small business. I also understand that the Taoiseach is bringing forward a package tomorrow. There are a few points I wish to make about that. I will start by saying hands off the minimum wage and hands off workers' sick leave. I am open to the idea of supports for small business. I do not have any ideological opposition to that but I am utterly opposed to any attempt to attack workers' rights in the name of helping small business. High rents are not going to go on hold. High prices at the supermarkets are not going to go on hold and the Government cannot go putting minimum wage increases on hold or on slowdown.
Fine Gael has always been, in my view, an anti-worker party but in recent times it has invested considerable energy in trying to portray an image of being a more worker-friendly party. However, if it tries to rein in pay increases for our lowest paid workers or leave entitlements for workers who are ill, that image will be in smithereens. It will be in smithereens in the run-in to a local election, a European election and a general election too. The Taoiseach might want to have a think about that.
This was the Taoiseach's first European Council meeting. As we have heard, there were several items on the agenda, including the Middle East and Ukraine. On Israel's war on Gaza, the European Council finally agreed, for the first time, to call for an immediate ceasefire, thus discarding the previous and wholly inadequate call for a humanitarian pause. It was also able to agree on the need for unhindered access for humanitarian aid at scale for Palestine. It seems that the brutal reality of the situation on the ground in Gaza was finally recognised collectively by all the EU leaders.
The European Council also considered, as we have heard, how to secure the economic prosperity of the EU. According to the Government press release at the time, the Taoiseach would be arguing for "a deeper Single Market; a more ambitious trade agenda, reduced administrative burdens for businesses, including SMEs; greater access to private investment to help build European enterprises; and a competitive, sustainable and resilient agricultural sector." It is very important that Europe's economy remains resilient and competitive, having regard to current global economic challenges. How was his economic message, that being the message in his press release, received? Is he satisfied that the EU is taking the necessary next steps to ensure ongoing economic growth in Europe?
It is fair to say that people see double standards. I am not taking away from the fact that Germany, the Czech Republic and other member states started with what was not necessarily a helpful outlook with regard to Israel, and that is the nicest way I can put it. We have seen that many in the European Union and its various bodies were overly supportive of Israel and provided cover that was not in any way helpful as Israel started its genocidal attack on the Palestinian people, continuing its long history of oppression and land grabs.
It is also fair to say that, in the context of the illegal invasion by Russia, the general solidarity and support for Ukraine, which are right, have been impacted, especially in the global south, by the failure of the western powers to show teeth when they should have with regard to Israel. America and some of our European partners, such as Germany, still provide Israel with weapons. While we have seen some action on that and we welcome that there the European Council is finally talking about a ceasefire and aid, we know we need a lot more. Is there any update on whether humanitarian conditions can be brought into play with respect to the EU-Israel association agreement? If not, it means there was obviously a mistake in how the conditions were put together. We have a genocidal slaughter at this point and there are no means of impacting unless agreement is reached across the European Union.
As I said to the Taoiseach before, this is an absolute disaster and we do not what will face the people of Rafah. This is also about what we can do, however. We welcome what is going to be done on recognition, on which we need a timeline. Then there are further moves on divestment. I would like to see our Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill and-----
We are running over time. I call the Taoiseach.
I thank colleagues for the range of questions. First, when it comes to Palestine, I very clearly outlined at the European Council this country's intention to recognise the state of Palestine. I believe we should do it this month, and that is what I am working towards with colleagues in Government, the three parties in Government and also with European counterparts, including the Prime Minister of Spain and other colleagues I have spoken with and will speak to in the hours ahead.
Regarding the issue of trade and the like, I very clearly - and I want Deputy Boyd Barrett to know this - voiced at the European Council again my position and, I believe, Ireland's position regarding the need to review the association agreement. We are only one of two countries, along with Spain, which signed a letter to the Commission President with regard to that. While I am extraordinarily pro-European in my outlook, I do believe that European credibility gets damaged globally when we take or, certainly in the eyes of many in the world, are seen to take a different stance regarding one humanitarian catastrophe versus the other. We should be using every single lever at our disposal to bring about an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution. That is the approach I take when I attend the European Council. It is the approach I took at my first one, and the approach I will continue to take as well.
On Deputy Barry's point, we did not discuss the Government's SME package at the European Council but the Deputy raised an important issue, so allow me to deal with it. First, there is no proposal from the Government with regard to the minimum wage. I am very proud of the fact that we set up a Low Pay Commission. I am very proud of the way that structure operates with regard to workers' representatives and business representatives. It does its work and generally reports during the summer. It is true to say that the minimum wage increased by, I think, €1.40 an hour about five months ago. That was an increase of about 12% at a time when inflation was just over 5%, so it was a real-term increase. The Low Pay Commission will continue to do its work. My party, and the Government of three parties I am proud to lead, remains firmly pro-worker and pro making sure people who go to work can make a decent wage and have money in their pockets, whether that is through reductions in childcare, the introduction of parental leave, which has been a real assistance to many, the introduction of a first statutory sick pay scheme, and increasing take-home pay through a combination of minimum wage increases and tax reductions on work for low and middle income workers.
We have to recognise - and I welcome the fact the Deputy is not opposed to this - the need to support small business. We should not pit one group against another. It was always the intention, when we brought in a statutory sick pay scheme, that there would be review of impact by the ESRI, in a piece of research. That will happen but nobody is talking about rolling back the scheme that is in place. It is a question of the pace at which that scheme accelerates and we will be led by the research and evidence on that. However, when the Deputy says "hands off the minimum wage", I can assure him our hands are firmly off the minimum wage because we believe in the minimum wage. This Government has presided over many increases to the minimum wage.
In response to Deputy Haughey, I was very pleased with the discussion we had. I was very pleased, first, by the work done by Enrico Letta, the former Italian Prime Minister who has done the European Union and all its member states some service in the report he produced on the Single Market. It is not for me to speak for Enrico Letta but I very much got the sense from his report and presentation that there is still a view that the Single Market is for some businesses, perhaps larger ones, but not for the small and medium enterprises, and for some citizens but not all of them.
There is a real sense of how to have a Single Market for all. I very much welcome that we made a decision to have a new strategic direction and roadmap for the deepening of the Single Market by June 2025.
I also welcomed the fact that we had a recognition of the importance of the capital markets union. We agreed on a conclusion and some text in relation to that because we are seeing a massive outflow of investment from the European Union, including from Ireland, to other parts of the world. At a time when we need so much investment in so many key areas in Europe, it makes sense to try to harness and capture that investment within the EU. The capital markets union is essential for that.
I largely covered Deputy Ó Murchú’s points. The Irish position on Palestine is clear and I think it is heard on the European stage. We have to recognise that there is a diversity of opinions among member states. The point Deputy Haughey made is significant. It is now the unanimous view of the European Council that there needs to be an immediate ceasefire, an immediate cessation of violence, in the Middle East. That is a reflection of what the Irish position has been since the start of this horrific humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Seán Haughey
Ceist:8. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister. [17783/24]
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:9. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on his recent engagement with the Spanish Prime Minister, with specific regard to the recognition of a Palestinian state. [20335/24]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:10. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister. [21325/24]
Paul Murphy
Ceist:11. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister. [21328/24]
Mick Barry
Ceist:12. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister. [21359/24]
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:13. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on his recent engagement with the Spanish Prime Minister, with specific regard to the recognition of a Palestinian state. [21524/24]
Alan Farrell
Ceist:14. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on his recent engagement with Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21560/24]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 14, inclusive, together.
I spoke by phone with Prime Minister Sánchez, most recently on Monday, 6 May, when we again discussed the situation in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, concerns about Rafah, and plans to recognise the state of Palestine. In particular, we shared a deep concern about the potential impacts of an Israeli military operation in Rafah, recalling that the international community has made it very clear that an Israeli military operation would inevitably lead to disastrous humanitarian consequences and the deaths of large numbers of innocent civilians. The protection of civilians is an obligation under international humanitarian law.
The situation in the Middle East was also the focus of our discussions when Prime Minister Sánchez visited me in Dublin on Friday, 12 April. In our meeting, we expressed our deep concern about the devastating humanitarian situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. We agreed to continue working together to push for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional and immediate release of all remaining hostages and a surge in humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We took stock of work under way in New York on a resolution on Palestine’s membership of the UN. Ireland fully supports Palestinian membership of the United Nations. I welcome that the resolution on Palestinian membership was overwhelmingly agreed by members of the UN General Assembly on 10 May.
Prime Minister Sánchez and I also discussed our concern about the risk of escalation of the conflict into the wider region, including Lebanon, a country that is already very fragile and in which both Ireland and Spain have members of our Defence Forces serving with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. Spain and Ireland have long taken a special interest in the region. It is fair to say that both countries are strongly committed to the vision of a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living in peace and security side by side.
We discussed our shared commitment to the recognition of the state of Palestine at an early date. Ireland and Spain, together with Malta and Slovenia, have previously said this is something we are ready to do when the conditions are right. When we take the step we would like to do so with others, if possible, as a positive contribution to the search for peace and as something we believe can have a positive impact on the situation on the ground. We agreed that it is our shared assessment that the right moment is coming much closer and that we would continue to co-ordinate closely with each other and with other like-minded countries.
In our meeting in Dublin, we also discussed the strong bilateral relationship that exists between Ireland and Spain, with deep and growing economic and people-to-people links. I also met the Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez in Warsaw on Thursday, 11 April, when we discussed the EU’s future strategic agenda at a dinner that was convened by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and hosted by the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. It is clear that the coming years will be pivotal for the EU in terms of our collective security in a more volatile environment and our ability to secure the prosperity and well-being of our people in a rapidly changing world.
The Spanish Prime Minister and I also attended a special European Council in Brussels on 17 and 18 April, the agenda of which included Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and, as I already discussed, the future of the EU’s Single Market. I thank the Spanish Prime Minister for the work he has done internationally. I have been very pleased to work with him on trying to build a coalition and momentum for the recognition of the state of Palestine. People ask why we should recognise the state of Palestine. The answer is extremely simple. If you believe in a two-state solution, it is important that you recognise the existence of both states. We must keep the two-state solution very much to the fore at this time when others are seeking to actively undermine it.
It seems the Taoiseach has had a number of meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. I also welcome the outcome of the vote taken at the UN General Assembly last week regarding membership for Palestine. As the Taoiseach knows, Ireland co-sponsored the resolution which received 143 votes, representing approximately 80% of the votes. Ireland was the first EU state to endorse the idea of Palestinian statehood back in 1980. In 2014, the Dáil passed a motion on this issue. I encourage the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to continue their efforts with like-minded EU states, including Spain, with regard to the recognition of the state of Palestine.
The Oslo Accords provide for recognition after a final agreement has been reached. Things have changed, though, and recognition now could actually help the process of bringing about a permanent and peaceful two-state solution based on the Arab peace plan. What other like-minded EU states are on board in this regard? The Taoiseach mentioned in his reply to the last set of questions that he hopes to have some communications in the hours ahead. He also mentioned that Malta and Slovenia are on board. At this stage, who else is on board? Is he likely to get more countries on board? He may be able to answer that question. What is the timescale for recognition? Does the Taoiseach have a date in mind at this stage? Again, in answer to the previous group of questions, the Taoiseach said he hoped to have it agreed this month. Is that still his target?
Having murdered 34,183 Palestinians, including more than 13,000 children, Israel is now turning the focus of its genocidal onslaught towards Rafah, the last remaining shelter to some 1.5 million Gazans. Israel's most heinous behaviour is not a new phenomenon for those sheltering in Rafah, the majority of whom will recall the previous onslaughts in the past decade or more. The majority of them were already refugees in Gaza and are now doubly refugees in Rafah.
We know from Israeli operations in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis exactly what will unfold. Safe areas, humanitarian workers, civilians and children will be purposely targeted. This will be a massacre that will have been announced weeks in advance in plain view of a hypocritical and uncaring international political system. A groundswell of the vast majority of humanity has joined the call for a ceasefire now in Gaza. They have taken to the streets in their millions in cities and communities in every corner of the world. It is incumbent on those of us in political life to meet their calls with decisive action, utilising every diplomatic, economic and political measure at our disposal, not only to sanction Israel for its blatant, cruel and cowardly disregard for international law and the basic rules of humanity, but to recognise Palestine, Palestinians and their innate, unwavering, dauntless and indomitable dignity, aspirations and ambitions.
The UN General Assembly vote is positive, but it is long past time that this Government fulfilled the mandate given to it by this House by setting a date on which it will recognise the state of Palestine. We have heard mention of 21 May. The Tánaiste said this was a leak from the Slovenian side, but the Taoiseach will have to tell the House when this is going to happen. We need to make sure that there is a Palestinian-----
I thank the Deputy.
We need to recognise a Palestinian state while there is still a Palestinian people.
Go raibh maith agat.
I still say we need to take action on those things that we can do-----
We are way over time.
-----such as enacting the occupied territories Bill and the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill.
Deputy, I need to move on.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have spoken about greater involvement in relation to Palestine.
Deputy, please. You had a full two minutes. I call Deputy Boyd Barrett.
We should long ago have recognised the state of Palestine but the question is this. What state is the Taoiseach recognising? Is he simultaneously legitimising the ethnic cleansing of historic Palestine when he speaks of a two-state solution?
I find it ironic that people who are for a united Ireland, who call themselves republicans, who would never dream of endorsing a two-state solution in Ireland are for endorsing a two-state solution in Palestine. They are for the partition of Palestine forever after the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people in 1948. They are now being ethnically cleansed again by a state that has now shown itself capable of genocide. We have seen not only apartheid and ethnic cleansing but genocide and people still think this is some sort of normal state.
Would we have been in favour of two-state solution in apartheid South Africa? No. Would we have been in favour of two-state solution in occupied Vietnam? No. Would we have been in favour of a two-state solution in occupied Algeria? No. Are we in favour of a two-state solution in Ireland? No. However, we are in favour of a two-state solution in Palestine which legitimises ethnic cleansing. What about the Palestinian right to return under international law? Most of the people in Gaza who are currently being massacred have the right under international law to return to what is now called Israel. What will happen to them under the so-called two-state solution? In any event Israel has said it has no interest in a two-state solution. Everything the Israelis have done has shown that was a smokescreen; it is a deception. It is institutionalising apartheid. I would like to hear people say that we are for the dismantlement of apartheid, the dismantlement of illegal occupation, the right of Palestinians to return and for a free and independent Palestine where Jew, Christian and Muslim can live together as equals.
I congratulate the students at Trinity College who have forced their college to begin divesting from Israel. They have achieved more from their actions than has been achieved by the Government. I note that students at UCD have followed their example. I also congratulate the dozens of staff and students at UCC who have now formed the UCC BDS to organise action with the aim of forcing UCC into full divestment, cutting all financial ties to companies profiting from the occupation. I wish them well and we should watch that space closely.
Tamar Nejem is a 25-year-old Palestinian student. She left Gaza in September and came to Ireland. She is currently studying at Mary Immaculate Teacher Training College in Limerick. She is campaigning for her family to be allowed to come to Ireland. She has a mother, a father, four brothers and a sister in Gaza. In the last seven months her family's house has been bombed. The family have been forced to flee four times. Her father has suffered a heart attack and her sister a stroke. I fully support her campaign at the moment.
The recognition of a Palestinian state is to be welcomed, but it must be more than a symbolic gesture. It must go hand in hand with the granting of rights, including the right of millions of Palestinians forced to leave their homeland to return and have full rights. That is an important point. This must not be just a symbolic gesture and must be linked to the question of rights for people.
I thank the Taoiseach for his response. I commend him both personally and politically on the speed with which he found common ground with Pedro Sánchez and others. I very much look forward to progress being made on that matter. We need to be honest with ourselves, hearing on a daily basis the rhetoric coming from the Israeli Government. The reality of recognising the state of Palestine and pushing towards the two-state solution is that the international community will enforce that. That means the United Nations would enforce that. The current government in Israel in my view is the tip of the sword. I believe the next government could be even harder because of the repercussions of the actions of the Israelis since 7 October.
All of us, of course, condemn terrorism but state-sponsored terrorism must be also condemned. The persecution and isolation of the Palestinian people, in particular in Rafah, is horrifying. It is very clear to all of us in this House, including I am sure the Taoiseach, that the Israelis have no intention of pulling back or stopping until such time as they are made to do so. That is why I believe this State in recognising a Palestinian state, which is a very welcome endeavour, must work with the international community for the express purposes of guaranteeing, dare I say it, what Deputy Barry had to say, the personal rights and freedoms of those individuals in their statehood. The major issue I have with recognising the Palestinian state and pushing for a two-state solution is that if the Israelis are not on board, the whole endeavour is pointless in terms of saving lives. That is the most fundamentally important aspect of this entire discussion.
I thank colleagues for their contributions. I join Deputy Haughey and others in very much welcoming the overwhelming vote at the UN General Assembly on ensuring that Palestine can and should be a member of the United Nations. I also take this opportunity to commend our own diplomats at the United Nations led by our ambassador, Fergal Mythen, on the incredible work they do in speaking up for Ireland but also in speaking up for human rights and speaking up for the rule of international law. They did us proud this week.
I assure everybody that the Tánaiste and I continue our efforts to recognise the state of Palestine because I believe that recognition now can help. Four countries, Slovenia, Malta, Ireland and Spain, have publicly said in various forums that they wish to recognise the state of Palestine. I am very conscious that each country has its own processes to go through. Therefore, the sequencing of that is a matter for each country to consider. I am confident that there are a number of countries, including the ones I have named, that have publicly stated their wish to do this. I spoke to the Slovenian Prime Minister this week. I hope to speak to Maltese Prime Minister this week. I hope to speak to the Norwegian Prime Minister in the coming days. I will speak to the king of Jordan tomorrow. The Tánaiste and I along with our teams are continuing our diplomatic efforts on this recognition. I would like to see us recognise the state of Palestine this month. I want us to be as co-ordinated as we can be.
In response to Deputies Ó Murchú and Farrell, I am extremely concerned over what we are seeing in Rafah. I am extremely concerned that Israel has now begun very large-scale military strikes. The protection of civilians is an obligation under international humanitarian law. Approximately 1.5 million people are sheltering in Rafah in desperate conditions. Notwithstanding the evacuation orders from the Israeli military, the reality is there is nowhere safe for these people to go. The international community has made it very clear that an Israeli military attack operation, we can call it what we wish, in Rafah will inevitably lead to devastating humanitarian consequences and to the deaths of a very large number of innocent civilians. Again, this country today urges Israel to cease its operations in Rafah immediately. That is what we continue to say at all international forums and in working with international partners. There needs to be an avoidance of any further escalation. Israel must facilitate safe unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza including through the Rafah crossing.
I agree on the rights of people and where we get to in a two-state solution. However, I believe we can arrive at a two-state solution through a political peace process. Countries like Ireland recognising the state of Palestine is a very important marker in being very clear to the world, as Deputy Farrell points out, that the international community will see a two-state solution as the only acceptable outcome. There are people in the Israeli Government seeking to walk away from and undermining - these are massive understatements - that commitment to the two-state solution.
In all our discourse we should differentiate between the Netanyahu administration and the Israeli people. There are many people in Israel and in the Middle East who want to live side by side in peace, security and prosperity with a state of Israel and a state of Palestine. We should not allow Netanyahu to become the embodiment of the Israeli people.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Paul Murphy
Ceist:15. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with the President of the European Commission. [21330/24]
Bríd Smith
Ceist:16. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with the President of the European Commission. [21746/24]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
I met the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels on 11 April. Ireland’s membership of the European Union is of great importance to our national prosperity, well-being, and indeed, to our sense of identity and I undertook an early visit to Brussels as a signal of my commitment to continuing our excellent and co-operative relations with all of its institutions. My meeting with President von der Leyen took place on the same day I met the President of the European Council and the President of the European Parliament, that is, the three presidents of European institutions. The meeting with President von der Leyen covered many of the significant issues that are currently on the EU’s agenda. We discussed the very worrying situation in Ukraine and the country’s urgent need for continuing financial support. I conveyed the same message to President von der Leyen as I did to President Zelenskyy when I spoke to him, that is, the Irish Government remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and will continue to assist in whatever way we can, consistent with our policy of military neutrality. Ukraine is fighting not just for its own territorial integrity and sovereignty, but for the shared fundamental European values of democracy and freedom. President von der Leyen and I agreed that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union. I expressed my thanks for the work the Commission is doing in that regard and I expressed my hope that formal negotiations with Ukraine can begin under the Belgian Presidency of the European Council.
On the Middle East and on Gaza, I again expressed my very strong wish, and that of the Irish people, to see an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a massive and sustained surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza. I acknowledged and thanked her for her role in ensuring that the EU aid to UNRWA remained in place. In such a desperate situation, the role UNRWA plays in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank and elsewhere in the region, is indispensable.
We also discussed the Single Market and the need to ensure the EU’s competitiveness. Without economic prosperity, Europe will not be able to fund its policy ambitions into the future. Ensuring a deep and strong Single Market, built on a level playing field for citizens and enterprises, coupled with an ambitious, rules-based trade agenda, is therefore essential. A vibrant and sustainable farming sector is also a vital part of the EU’s future economic and food security. I expressed my view that we need to do more to support the farming and agricultural sector, which is currently facing significant pressures. I welcomed the conversation we had about not deciding whether you are on the side of climate or on the side of farmers but the need to have both food security and to recognise that there is a climate emergency. The EU is working quickly to address the concerns of Europe's farmers and to implement measures that will allow that greater flexibility while also ensuring our environment is protected. President von der Leyen and I also agreed that it is in the EU’s strategic interests to ensure a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and the UK. President von der Leyen and I also met at the special meeting of the European Council on 17 and 18 April.
I offer my thoughts and wishes to the family of Pat Muckian who died last night following an attack in Dundalk on 3 May. Pat was very respected and was a member of a hugely respected family in Dundalk that has been through a huge tragedy. I wish to put that on record.
Regarding the European Commission and the rules on tendering, we all know we need to see accountability and transparency and need to ensure there is due diligence. However, we have seen the issues related to lowest cost tenders and it is absolutely vital we have an emphasis on the ability to deliver. I imagine the Taoiseach cannot be happy about how the news of the contract being awarded for the Narrow Water Bridge made its way into the public domain via the X account of Construction Information Services NI. Councillor Antóin Watters and I are obviously very supportive of this project but we were in correspondence with Louth County Council, which stated it did not put the information out there as the lead. The county council also stated that the contract figure is not necessarily correct. We all support this project and we all need to see it continue. It is an absolutely fabulous cross-Border project that will be brilliant for my part of the world, both North and South. It is about making sure we have absolute follow-through and due diligence is done regarding the contract, the price and the time of delivering the project. We need to make sure there are no more hiccups or obstacles.
In his discussions with President Ursula von der Leyen, did the Taoiseach discuss the nature restoration law? In his view, is she still committed to the European Green Deal to tackle climate change? With the European Parliament elections coming up, there is a view that the European People's Party is becoming less committed to climate change and to taking the appropriate measures. Did the Taoiseach get any sense of a pulling-back from the green deal by Ursula von der Leyen?
The second question, having regard to a previous question, refers to relations between the EU and the Republic of Türkiye. It is clear that Türkiye is not about to join the European Union any time soon. I have no doubt President Erdoğan has something to do with that. Is Türkiye open to the prospects for closer co-operation with the EU? Are concrete and practical steps being taken for this closer co-operation, which, as the Taoiseach said earlier, will help to bring peace and stability to the region?
Ursula von der Leyen embodies the shocking and blatant double standards that have been displayed by the European Union. On the one hand, she is the most gung ho for arming, supporting, or whatever is necessary in terms of Ukraine being faced with a brutal and illegal invasion. She then stands beside Netanyahu as he embarks on what we can now see is a genocidal murderous massacre against the Palestinian people, the blood of whom she has on her hands for the position she took. She continues to defend the indefensible in the unwavering support for Israel and its so-called security when it is massacring people. When she visited here, I pointed out that this was the Ursula von der Leyen who had, as German defence minister, done arms deals no problem with Saudi Arabia. It is a brutal dictatorship; sell it arms. I honestly ask, given the disrepute into which she has brought the European Union regarding these things, should we not be saying publicly that she is not the person who should be leading the European condition and the European Union? She has brought the EU into disrepute, embodies those double standards and she should be removed from office and certainly not get another term.
I join with Deputy Ó Murchú in extending my sympathies to the family of Pat from Dundalk and I associate myself with the Deputy's remarks. I also welcome the Deputy's commitment to the Narrow Water Bridge, which President von der Leyen and I did not discuss directly. Having said that, I know the importance of the bridge to this country, to the Deputy's region and the constituency he represents. I also take seriously the points about timelines and delivery of that project. I am very happy to ask the relevant line Ministers to keep the Deputy up to date on this as well.
On Deputy Haughey's question, President von der Leyen and I discussed the importance of climate, the European Green Deal and addressing the farmers. At a European level, we have a more magnified example of what can sometimes happen in this country where people are asked to chose wrongly, bizarrely, sometimes by the commentariat, sometimes in this House, sometimes for people's own narrow political interests, if they are on the side of the climate emergency or on the side of the farmers. Actually, Government public policy has to be able to do more than one thing at a time. We have a climate emergency, we have a green deal at European level, and we have the nature restoration law for which the Deputy's own MEP colleagues and mine voted as well. That was the right call and history will judge that to be the right call. I believe President von der Leyen remains committed to the green deal. However, there is also a recognition at a European level that is now also at an Irish level, that there is a need to bring people with you by showing people the transition, how you can continue to have an agrifood sector and encourage young people to get involved in farming in a way that is environmentally sustainable. We had a good conversation on this.
I was pleased - and I can send the Deputy a note on this - that language was agreed regarding Türkiye and engagement. While the Deputy may well be right, and I think he is, regarding timelines for any future enlargement of the European Union in respect of Türkiye, it is important to the region and the stability of the European Union to have good relations.
I was pleased that there were EU Council conclusions in April in relation to that.
Anybody's tenure in any role has to be viewed in the round. At the start, the European Commission's position regarding Israel and the Middle East was not where it needed to be, to put it mildly. It is also important to remember that the European Council, European foreign ministers and others are those that provide the mandate in respect of these comments. There is an obligation on us all as European leaders to continue to advocate for an immediate cessation of violence in the Middle East.