Mr. Niall Burgess:

Before I answer that question, I would like to respond to an earlier question from the Chairman. I have been looking at the figures for the Passport Office. We purchased an additional stock of passport booklets in 2019. I wonder if that is the figure referenced by the Chairman. We purchased it as a buffer against Brexit, in anticipation that passport demand would increase in 2020. That may show in the accounts as an increased cost for passport booklets.

On the destruction of these villages, we have said repeatedly that that is unacceptable. We have said that to the Israelis at all levels. We have spoken about the efforts we make to recoup and seek compensation for assets that Ireland has contributed directly or indirectly. Ireland is one of the most vocal members of the European Union in discussions on these issues. The Chairman asked what more we can do to exert influence. We are influential but there is a significant body of opinion within the European Union that does not agree with us. It strikes me that while the Minister or Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, said recently that what is happening in the occupied territories amounts to de factoannexation, not many other EU partners have joined us in that assessment. That is the issue within the European Union. I believe we are as vocal and influential as we can possibly be.