I am on the record several times as having said that the implementation of the working time directive in the Defence Forces is the single most important thing we can do to address the crisis in recruitment and retention. I hear frustration from members of the Defence Forces all the time about what they consider to be false dawns, slipping deadlines and missed targets. This leads them to question the credibility of the commitment to move forward. Members of the Defence Forces do a unique job. It will never be a stan…

I do not know how the Tánaiste can say that without having the information about the hours currently being worked by the Defence Forces. Its members regularly tell me they work way beyond the hours that would be expected under the directive. I have another concern, which is not an inference from dealing with any person or Department; it is from an experience I had when I was dealing with agricultural issues. Many aspects of agriculture require another Department to bring forward primary or secondary legislation tha…

Does the Tánaiste intend to include the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act in the terms of reference for the tribunal of inquiry arising from abuse allegations brought to attention primarily by the Women of Honour group, which has sought for this Act to be included in the terms of reference? Does he plan to bring other amendments to the terms of reference arising from engagements with the Women of Honour group and the Canary Movement?

Our only purpose in raising these questions is that we want to get this absolutely right. I welcomed the proposal to establish a tribunal of inquiry to investigate the allegations highlighted by the Women of Honour group. It should be noted that we would not be having a tribunal of inquiry or any form of inquiry were it not for the Women of Honour bringing their stories into the public, telling their own personal stories in some instances, and highlighting them in a way that was very stark and demanded a public res…

I am not aware of anyone in this House who is looking for a tribunal process that will go on for five or ten years.

What I have said is that at the first hurdle, we need to ensure it has full public confidence. Public confidence will not be easily built if the organisation that made the allegations and charges, and which outlined the deficiencies in policies and procedures that everybody now accepts existed, does not endorse the process and say it believes it has the capacity to make findings that will address the issues brought to the fore. It would be a shame as much as anything else. I will not make a political charge. Howeve…

I am sure the Tánaiste will join me in extending our best wishes and commendation to the members of the Defence Forces who are serving in Lebanon and the Golan Heights in what are very difficult security circumstances at present. My question to the Tánaiste is if he will report on the situation regarding our Defence Forces who are currently deployed on the UNIFIL and UNDOF missions.

I thank the Tánaiste. Having read some interviews with, and reports on, participants and commanders within both missions, the Irish participants in particular were noteworthy for their professionalism, bravery, commitment to peacekeeping and the missions in which they are engaged. It is important that we all say very clearly how proud we are of the service they are providing, not only to Ireland but also to the United Nations. The Tánaiste has outlined the increased security context in which they are operating. We …

The Tánaiste has related his engagements with political leaders in the Middle East. We have all noted the high regard in which Ireland is held. Much of that stems from the political position Ireland has taken in defence of international law. A huge part of that credibility has arisen from the role and the reputation of the Irish forces in ongoing peacekeeping missions. In that regard, I ask the Tánaiste whether he still intends to withdraw Irish troops from the UNDOF mission in the Golan Heights. In the current con…

I will let Deputy Ó Murchú ask his question.

I have five minutes. Is that correct?

I commend the Social Democrats on tabling this motion and giving us another opportunity to talk about the absolutely horrendous tragedy unfolding in Gaza. I also take the opportunity to welcome the reports that Irish citizens have started to make their way across the Rafah crossing out of Gaza. I repeat my call that all those in Gaza who wish to leave should be given free passage to do so. We also repeat our call for the release of all hostages and we are particularly thinking of Emily Hand's family today. I am ash…

That was the case with Ukraine as well.

I am just letting you know what the facts are.

You are wrong.

This is absolutely pathetic.

I move: That Dáil Éireann: condemns and deplores the escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory since 7th October, particularly the killing of innocent men, women and children, the taking hostage and imprisonment of civilians, the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the mass forced displacement of civilians; notes that: — Ireland is a state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); — An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, has described "cutting off power, cutting…

By whom?

Who would see it that way?

Who reported that, Mattie?