Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

First, on my opening remarks about the Palestinian question, how does the Minister perceive the unity Government that was established in February, the response of the European Union member states to that Government and the response that emanated from the summit? Was it, as I suggested, something of a fudge in that less than wholehearted support was given? While it was welcomed it appeared to be a conditional welcome. Second, does he believe that the European Union should proceed now to channel funding through that Government rather than through other agencies or groups, as is the current position? Will the Minister consider following in the footsteps of Norway in giving full formal recognition to this Government of unity?

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