Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

My apologies to Deputy Ó Snodaigh. When I was interrupted, I forgot to answer the second part of his question. The Middle East peace process was certainly discussed in the Council and the focus of the questions and answers and most of the contributions made today concerned the main issue. The collapse of the unity Government and the Hamas takeover of Gaza was part of it and the reality is that it is a tragedy for the Palestinian people who have already suffered so much for so long. I disagree with the Deputy's characterisation of the European Union and its role on that issue. The EU is one of the biggest supporters in that area and has given substantial and welcome support to the people who have suffered.

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