Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Even in matters of such importance, the Deputy cannot park his normal tactics of allegation and division. The Government has made clear again and again its condemnation of what is happening. It is this Government, with the support of the Oireachtas, that brought forward our recognition of the State of Palestine. It is the same Government that took action to protect UNGA to ensure the distribution of food to those who need it the most. Our Taoiseach and our Tánaiste have been at the front line within the EU in condemning what is happening and calling for and pushing for further action to be taken. The Deputy is looking to create a sense of some kind of tacit support for the passage of anything through our airspace. I have reminded him of what our law is and how it has been implemented and confirmed to him that no permission was sought or given. I do not believe any permission would have been given.

As for the action that will be taken in this regard, as I said, it consists of the investigation that is under way - I am sure the Minister for Transport will be able to give an indication of the outcome from it on its conclusion - and will be the continued implementation of our law saying we do not support and it is illegal for such materials to come into Irish sovereign territory or airspace.

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