Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Crowe mentioned Palestine and Ms Boylan mentioned the infrastructure issue. One example referred to was the EU-funded airport which was opened in 1998 and bombed in 2001, 2009 and 2012. There was also reference to other infrastructure that has been destroyed in recent years and which has left Gaza very dependent on Israel. The EU has repeatedly funded infrastructure that Israel has subsequently destroyed during the last three operations in the Gaza Strip. In light of what goes on in the European Parliament, is it important that Israel would be held responsible and made accountable at EU level for the destruction of EU-funded infrastructure?

This is possibly being parochial but it is important. Mr. Hayes mentioned he is first and foremost an Irish MEP abroad as opposed to the Fine Gael member of the EPP and that it is important to work together in the interests of the country. As part of the programme of the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, one of its priorities is European employment and economic growth. Italy has stated it wishes to focus on financing growth and supporting investment in sectors that are key to the future of our children such as environmental protection. Earlier this year, the environment committee supported an amendment for the necessity of an environmental impact assessment to be extended to the exploration and extraction of shale gas. That was later voted down by the European Parliament in plenary session. In terms of environmental protection and supporting investment in growth sectors, what is Mr. Hayes's opinion on fracking? I am asking that because of the decision taken this week in the North not to renew a licence for exploration. Is it important to have environmental impact assessments for projects which some people might say are beneficial in terms of making money but which could destroy landscapes or prove more detrimental to the natural environment, water and other such things in the future?