Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too thank the Minister of State for coming before us to update us on his visit to the Middle East. I wish to follow on from some of the previous questions. Is he satisfied that the international community is availing of Lebanon and adjoining countries to facilitate the refugees from Syria? It is difficult to support the refugees in Syria for all the stated reasons. Is the international community, however, sufficiently committed to supporting the refugees in the Lebanon and adjoining countries with a view to ensuring that hardship is minimised?

The Minister of State mentioned he visited one community during his visit to Gaza. In order to reassure all involved in the international process, is he satisfied that adequate regard is being had for the groups such as Christians or Israelis in the area who may feel aggrieved at the possibility of somebody from the international community, with the best of the intentions visiting one side only? In regard to the recently discovered tunnel from Gaza into Israel, has the purpose of that exercise been satisfactorily explained? Members have received e-mails from people who have expressed concerns in that area. I am sure the Minister of State has received them also. It would do no harm if he could indicate the degree to which the ongoing peace process in the area is being supported without restriction, by all involved, that is the Israelis, Hamas and Palestinians. A peaceful resolution cannot be achieved unless there is a commitment from everybody. To what extent is that commitment evident? To what extent can the international community support those who are committed to that concept?

To what extent are the fears of the various interested parties on all sides of that conflict assuages as to the direction and progress of the peace process? I know there is a question of secrecy at this stage due to sensitivity. Can signals be given to the participating groups as to the extent to which their particular interests are being observed and recognised and taken into account?

When we visited that area previously, questions on prisoners in Israeli prisons, prisoners in Palestinian camps, prisoners of the various combatant groups who were in most times held without trial, and the international regulations not being observed in the normal way were a significant issue. To what extent has the international community engaged and continued to engage in that area on an ongoing basis?