Mr. Emmet Sheerin:

Deputy O'Sullivan asked a question about the value of international organisations and our role on the ground. Let me refer again to the village of Yanoun, which is a good example. The villagers tell us constantly that if we were not present – EAPPI has a permanent international presence all year round in the village - they would leave. This is a clear example of the real impact we have. In the south Hebron hills, there was an instance in which international bodies were able to bring media attention to the threatened demolition of solar panels in a village called Imneizil. They were EU funded, possibly through Spain. The international presence resulted in media attention and there was a freeze on the demolition of the vital solar panels.

Deputy O'Sullivan also asked about people in Israel who do not agree with the occupation of Palestinian territory and who are actively campaigning against it. We work quite closely with Israeli peace activists. There are many groups, including Rabbis for Human Rights and B'Tselem, a well-regarded human rights organisation. It is very important that we stand in solidarity with these people because they work in a very difficult environment. There are certain Israelis who are campaigning actively against what is happening. It is a question of supporting them also because they will have an effect.