Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Norris will have an opportunity to speak later. He was not present when I referred to the matter earlier. I spoke about my visit to the region, the current debate, and debates in the Oireachtas and at European Union level which are all factors to be taken into consideration. I fully support, as previous Governments have, the full achievement of Palestinian statehood. We believe that should happen soon but I would like that it would be achieved in reality and not just in theory or on paper. I am anxious that, at bilateral level and through my colleagues in the European Union at plenary session of the Foreign Affairs Council, we could speak with one voice on the basis that a voice representing 28 states and in excess of 500 million people is of great influence and consequence. I continue to keep the issue under review.

I agree with what Deputy Smith said about the situation in Gaza, that the pace of reconstruction has been too slow. On behalf of the Government, I attended the Gaza reconstruction conference in Cairo at which we pledged the sum of €2.5 million, much of which will go towards the reconstruction, and all of which will be applied to the alleviation of hardship, suffering and difficulty in the region. I announced a further €500,000 when I visited Gaza earlier this year. I had an opportunity to attend meetings and I witnessed the fairly horrific experience being perpetrated on the vulnerable people of Gaza in particular, especially women and children. It is important that the process of reconstruction would be allowed to commence. I regard it as totally unacceptable that 100,000 people remain internally displaced and that 120,000 are still waiting to be reconnected to the city water supply. I am anxious to continue to raise the matter directly with the authorities. Last week the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution which was proposed by the Palestinians and supported by this country, wherein we reaffirmed our assurances that respect for international law would continue to be maintained at every level. That is a core issue for this country.

In the context of prioritising the Middle East peace process at EU level, we will take into consideration the very valid points raised by Deputy Quinn in respect of ensuring the regional actors and the other Arab states in the region in particular are mindful of the need to ensure their participation is crucial to the achievement of an overall settlement.

I assure Deputy Ó Snodaigh that we will continue to keep matters under review and that I am fully supportive of the objective of achieving a two-state solution with a fully recognised Palestinian state. Deputy Smith made particular reference in this context to the Bedouin communities and the Susiya village. I am very concerned for the residents of that town. Irish Aid has provided a practical level of support to threatened villages in the area south of the Hebron Hills, such as water filtration equipment. Our representative in Ramallah has supported the position of the villagers. I note the work of the committee in this regard. You are indicating a vote, Chairman.