Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I wish the ambassador and the Jewish community in Ireland and throughout the world a happy Hanukkah. The date of 10 December also coincides with international Human Rights Day. I am sure we will all join people throughout the world in advancing more access to greater human rights.

I want to take up the point raised previously by my colleague. One fundamental human right is the access to water. Throughout the Middle East and, particularly, in Palestine at the minute, there is a water crisis and water shortages. I note that Palestinians get less than 15% of the total yield of aquifers, leaving 85% of water controlled by Israel.

Does the ambassador believe Israel has more of a responsibility to help develop water access and more water equality in the Middle East, particularly as it pertains to the Palestinian community? Some 60% of Palestinians are insecure in their water availability. That has the potential for and will lead to further conflict in the future. Will the ambassador speak to that?