Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Before turning to the situation in the West Bank and Gaza, I would like to emphasise our continuing strong support for the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, and for its democratically-elected Government, a sentiment which I believe is shared on all sides of the House. The recent violence, in an already tense political situation, is a reminder of the dangers of instability in Lebanon. I would like in particular to express the sympathy of the Government with the families of the six members of the Spanish UNIFIL contingent who were killed in a car bomb explosion in southern Lebanon on 24 June. It is important that I also place on record again the appreciation of the Government for the dedication of the members of the Permanent Defence Force, who are serving with such distinction in Ireland's UNIFIL contingent.

The appalling violence in Gaza last month represents a further tragedy for the Palestinian people. The root cause of the current crisis is the absence of a credible political process leading to a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 June condemned the violence and the takeover by Hamas in Gaza. It supported the call by the Arab League for the restoration of Palestinian national unity and the unity of Palestinian territory.

The European Union has expressed its full support for President Mahmoud Abbas and underlined the need for a political solution to the crisis. The Union has supported the President's decision to form an emergency government and the Council decided to begin work on developing the conditions for urgent practical and financial assistance, including direct financial support to the Palestinian Authority.

The European Union increased its overall assistance to the Palestinian people last year to almost €700 million, of which some €340 million came from the Community budget. Already this year, €320 million has been allocated in Community aid for humanitarian assistance, direct payments to Palestinians through the temporary international mechanism, and technical assistance and institution building.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

The EU is determined to continue to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza, which is facing a serious humanitarian crisis. The majority of the population in Gaza is dependent on services provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, to which the EU has already contributed €90 million this year. It is essential that all parties, including the Israeli authorities, guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

I should add that the main cause of the financial crisis in the Palestinian Authority has been the withholding by Israel of tax and customs revenues since April 2006. The EU has called on the Israeli Government to release these revenues immediately, and Prime Minister Olmert indicated at last week's summit in Sharm El Sheikh that some funds would be unfrozen. I welcome the transfer of €119 million on 1 July, and I call on Israel to release the total remaining amount without further delay. I also welcome the Israeli Government's announcement that the normal monthly transfer of revenues will be resumed this month.

The Government increased Ireland's assistance to the Palestinians by 40% in 2006 to €6.4 million. Ireland's assistance will increase further this year. In January, during a visit to Bethlehem, the Minister for Foreign Affairs announced a 25% increase in support for UNRWA to €3.8 million this year. We have made a clear commitment to maintaining this increased level of funding over the next three years.

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