Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

When Mr. Meehan spoke about a two-state solution, I was thinking that the first thing to be done is to recognise there are two states. That is one element in which Ireland has played a key role. The point was made to Deputy Ó Laoghaire in the previous session that the Bill is only symbolic. In fact, that strengthens the case to do it, as outlined by Ms Crawley. There is a number of situations where Ireland played a leading role and was accused of acting symbolically but it has had a ripple effect. It seems to me that if we do this, it opens opportunities for other countries to do the same.

I do not know whether the witnesses heard the contributions in the previous session. I hope they did as my two questions somewhat relate to positions put forward during that session. Whoever wishes to answer them can do so. The point was made that the Bill will have an effect on tourists buying products in East Jerusalem, with those products potentially being confiscated when they come back to Ireland and the people who bought them potentially being prosecuted and put in jail. Will the witnesses give their perspective on that? It seems to me it is kite-flying.

A number of questions were raised earlier about the blocking of aid into Gaza. Most contributors expressed concern that the aid might go to Hamas. Will the witnesses explain in a simple way for people watching and listening how the aid that is being blocked from going into Gaza, if it is allowed in, will get to the people? It is not the case that people cross the border and ask, "Where is Hamas, so we can give this to them?". How, in simple terms, is the aid delivered?