Middle East
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-26
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

We have been absolutely clear as a Government that de-escalation is the only way forward. The longer this conflict goes on the more lives are lost, the more innocent civilians are caught up in this, the more impact it has on the region itself and destabilising the region and the wider the impact for all of us. We know the impact we are seeing already, whether at the petrol pumps, in heating our homes or in other areas. That is why we brought in a €250 million package this week in a way that other countries have perhaps not been able to do to respond to the needs of those who are filling their car and heating their homes, and to the needs of those who are most vulnerable. However, the longer this goes on the more challenging that becomes. My priority and that of all of our colleagues in government has been, through whatever avenue possible, be it through European Council meetings or trips in the past week for St Patrick’s Day, to raise the need for de-escalation. That can only happen when all parties come to the table. It is very clear there was not a UN mandate or sanction for this.
All parties, the US, Israel and Iran, need to come to the table to negotiate. That is what we will continue to advocate for.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:47+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-26