Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

We specifically asked for that to be raised at the European Council and in its conclusions. We are taking this very seriously. We are on record as saying we do not agree with what is happening with this other organisation that has been started. It has to be done through the UN. We have been very much on the record on that and very much to the fore at European Union level as well to bring everyone around to that view too. I have no doubt there will be strong conclusions. The conclusions of the European Council next week are under negotiation at the moment but I have no doubt there will be a strong response in relation to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. It is constantly being discussed. I am not directly on the international development side but I can say that at my Council, the General Affairs Council, one of the issues that came up is that Radio Free Europe in the Czech Republic has lost a lot of its funding because of the cuts to USAID. People are asking can we fund this or can someone else, like the EU, come in and fund it?

Our priority for the EU budget will be to ensure the EU continues to give significant funds in overseas development aid. The EU is a significant contributor into Gaza. If there is any international food programme going into Gaza, food relief or other relief into Gaza, the European Union will be at the centre of that in supporting it. There is no two ways about that. We want to make sure that when we are negotiating the budget, we talk about CAP. We also want to make sure the international external side and helping the world is also part of it too and that is really important for us.

Ireland has given almost €100 million in the previous two years to Palestine. We have been a significant contributor. I do not have the figure for the EU as I am not on the file but it is really significant. Those discussions will continue and they will absolutely be a major feature of both my council next week, the General Affairs Council, and the European Council. It is obviously very important for the leaders at that particular council.