Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagements he has had regarding the formation of the next European Commission; and if he supports the proposed reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President considering her actions in supporting the State of Israel in the ongoing assaults on Palestine. [27472/24]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Tánaiste confirm to the Dáil whether it is really the Government's intention to support today the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as the President of the European Commission considering her actions in supporting unequivocally the State of Israel in its ongoing assault on Palestine and grievous breaches of international law?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. At the informal European Council meeting on 17 June, leaders reflected on the outcome of the European Parliament elections and focused on the new EU institutional cycle, which included the position of President of the European Commission. There was an acknowledgement that the outcome of the European elections should be respected and reflected in the composition of the senior positions. President von der Leyen was the lead candidate of the European People’s Party and that party was returned as the largest single political grouping in the European Parliament. An arrangement has been agreed between three of the major groups. There may be an additional group joining involving the socialist group and the Renew Europe Group. The anticipation is that this will result in President von der Leyen emerging as the candidate for a second term as President of the European Commission; António Costa as the chair of the Council; and Kaja Kallas as the High Representative.

At the meeting of the European Council on 27 and 28 June, Ireland will support the nomination of President von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission. The European Parliament must then approve that nomination. I believe Ireland and the EU have been well served by President von der Leyen in her first term. She has been a strong advocate for the protection of Irish interests throughout the Brexit process. I am sure the Deputy would acknowledge that himself, and his party did so at the time. President von der Leyen also provided important leadership in the European Union and support to Ireland during Covid-19. She has provided consistent leadership on the European Union's multifaceted response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. As I have said previously, I did not agree with President von der Leyen's response to the conflict in Gaza and Israel. There is now a better understanding and there has been a significant change across the Commission of the perspective of Ireland and like-minded member states, including by President von der Leyen. The EU's policy now includes a call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, in line with Ireland's priorities.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I find the Tánaiste's statement deeply cynical and worrying, to be quite frank. To say that Ireland and the EU have been well served by the Presidency of Ursula von der Leyen shows disregard for the seriousness of her actions in giving unequivocal cover for an unfolding genocide. Yes, Ursula von der Leyen did the right things on Brexit and, by and large, on Covid. However, what she did in greenlighting the blatant disregard for every norm of international humanitarian law of the UN Charter when she stood alongside the leader of the State of Israel and said Europe stood with Israel at a time when it had announced it was going to starve the people of Gaza of electricity, food and water goes beyond anything else. There is nothing else we can put alongside that in her CV. I have to say again that the Government should not be supporting her nomination.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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First, I acknowledge the Deputy's acknowledgement of President von der Leyen's role in Brexit. It should not be understated. I believe the Deputy's party was very supportive of President von der Leyen at the time in respect of the role of the Commission with regard to Brexit and its impact on Ireland, and, indeed, on Northern Ireland in particular and all of the issues relating to the Good Friday Agreement. I also make the point that, in terms of the realpolitik of Europe, the far right is complaining as well about what is emerging from the EU Council. President von der Leyen is seen, across the board, as a very competent president, and has been for four years. I think President von der Leyen got it wrong in respect of Gaza but Europe is divided on Gaza. The European Union has different perspectives. What has happened since the beginning of the war is that people's positions have changed. People's positions have moved for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in line with Ireland's priorities. We have used our persuasion and advocacy for Palestine very effectively at the European Union. We have not been stymied in that advocacy for the Palestinian cause and that has resulted in the recognition of Palestine by a number of EU states, such as Slovenia, Ireland and Spain.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The Tánaiste says that Europe is divided. Yes, there are two sides within Europe in respect of the approach to Palestine and Israel. There is the side that it is in full, unequivocal support of international law and there is the other side, which is represented by Ursula von der Leyen, that is willing to turn a blind eye to international law in a way that will have dire consequences for humanity in the years to come. However, what Ireland is doing today is turning sides and saying that we are going to support the nomination of somebody who, even to this day, is blocking a review of the EU-Israel association agreement. The Tánaiste says the discussions will take place reflecting on the European elections that have just taken place. I do not know how he can say that with a straight face considering his candidates campaigned in the European election, and many of them were elected, on the basis that they would not support Ursula von der Leyen's nomination. For him then as party leader, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to say because of others things she has done, we are going to completely ignore the fact that she gave a green light to a genocide that continues to unfold and to undermine the role of the multilateral institutions-----

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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Thank you Deputy.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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-----is deeply cynical and worrying. I worry that Ireland is picking a side-----

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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We are way over time.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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-----that is on the wrong side of history today.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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President von der Leyen did not give a green light to genocide. The Deputy needs to reflect on those assertions.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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When I say that the European Parliament elections should be respected and reflected in the composition of the senior positions, the bottom line is that the European People's Party, EPP, was returned as the largest single political group, followed by the socialist group and the liberal group. Just as in the aftermath of a Dáil election, parties get together and make decisions. That is what has happened here. There is a balance here. It is not one side or the other. There are multiple sides in the European Union with different perspectives and there is a wide spectrum. The socialist group, through António Costa, is expected to get the President of the European Council, replacing Charles Michel. The liberal group, through the Prime Minister of Estonia, is signalled to get the post of High Representative. President von der Leyen, as the lead candidate of the European People's Party, is to get the job of President of the Commission. That is a reflection and the manifestation of what transpired in the election.

There are other groupings. The ECR is annoyed, but I am sure its views are not views Deputy Carthy would agree with. That is the reality of the situation. We must now focus on making sure that Europe in all its institutions is competent and coherent over the next five years, with a proper balance of perspectives and views, as reflected by the multiparty system there.