Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, has voiced his strong disapproval of what he termed “threatening actions” from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) directed at the UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, indicating that such conduct is intolerable and should incite outrage from authorities of the highest echelon.
While closing his two-day tour to Washington DC, at Georgetown University, Harris, in his discussions with the journalists present, alluded to his recent dialogue with Joe Biden, the US president. The conversation took place shortly after President Biden had an interaction with Binyamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel. The Governor indicated that the contents of the conversation underscored the gravity of the issues he had broached with the Israeli leader.
Moreover, he expressed his view that the evaluation of Israel should hinge on its deeds rather than declarations. The situation of the day, where peacekeepers were being targetted stirred deep concerns for him. He found the civilian casualties, incursion into Lebanon and the Gaza bombings distressing, even detestable. He condemned the offensive behaviour aimed at peacekeepers, declaring it a gross violation of the clear international laws governing peacekeeping, requiring strong objections on a grand scale.
As he concluded his visit, Harris addressed an audience at the Riggs library in Georgetown, which comprised Ireland’s Ambassador to the US, Geraldine Byrne Nason, as well as several students.
Before going back, he announced that he intends to console the Johnston family again, who lost Aoife Johnston, their daughter, to meningitis almost two years ago. Aoife’s treatment for sepsis was overlooked in the overpopulated emergency department at University Hospital Limerick for over 12 hours. He praised her family and expressed sorrow over the tragic and unresolvable circumstances that resulted in Aoife’s death. The family of the late teenager is pushing for a mandatory inquiry into the failures that caused her death, and Harris has not dismissed the possibility.
The representative of the family has highlighted that there are certain queries which demand answers. To address this, it is necessary for myself and Minister Donnelly to have a meeting with them. This engagement is something I am optimistic about and it needs to happen as soon as it can, reiterated the Taoiseach.
A concerning issue is the uncertainty surrounding the scholarship programme that takes the name of George Mitchell, a well-known Georgetown graduate. The scheme, originated in the later years of the 1990s, is currently uncertain due to lack of sustainable funds for the long run.
The Government is actively deliberating on the future configuration of the programme, where resources are not going to be a stumbling block. However, they expect to see results in return for funding the scholarships. “I have recently had a conversation with Senator Mitchell in Dublin regarding this. It is crucial to perfect this scheme without tarnishing the reputation of previous entries… Anticipating that we could make a larger impact in terms of reach and numbers, we are determined to get this right, knowing that resources will be provided”, stated the Taoiseach.
The leader of Fine Gael was planning a trip to the USA to commemorate the Ireland-United States diplomatic relationship centennial. However, the festivities scheduled for Wednesday, including a garden party, were called off due to the coming Hurricane Milton.
Mr Harris mentioned, “The date for the Rose Garden ceremony has yet to be decided, but I am certain President Biden plans to proceed with it during his term. Whether I or another government member will be present, remains undecided.” Harris emphasised, “Engaging directly with the US president and having almost an hour in the Oval Office for discussion holds significant importance.”