Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that the Palestinian question has gone off the agenda. There does not seem to be much will to put it back on the agenda. There is a bigger issue at stake also in terms of how to do that. Reference was made to the role of America. To put it mildly, it is disappointing that the regime has not been more proactive on the matter. I am involved in other human rights issues and great things are expected if President Obama is re-elected. Perhaps this is another item to put onto the list. Many American shops are selling those goods. We must put pressure on them so that they know what they are selling and what they are selling is at the cost of people's homes being destroyed.

Mr. O'Brien said in his introduction that America recognises that the illegal settlements are one of the main barriers to peace but that is rhetoric, as it is not being translated into action. I note that the WhoProfits group is a combined Israeli-Palestinian project. I would like to hear about the role of Israeli people in that because not all Israelis agree with what their Government is doing.

My last question relates to the witnesses, the effect of their presence and that of people like them in Palestine. The witnesses have spoken about their experience there but I wish to know whether they are getting a sense that their presence is welcome and is of value.