James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I apologise to the Minister of State. I forgot to congratulate him on his recent appointment. I hope he fairs well in it.

Can the Minister of State ask this House or the people to believe his statement that the actions of the EU in withdrawing payments to the Palestinian Authority at the time it was done did not cause a serious deterioration and contribute significantly to the current exacerbation of the problems which have existed for the Palestinian people for quite some time? If the Minister of State tries to ask that of us, his credibility will be very poor indeed and it would not be an auspicious start for him.

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