Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 39 together.

The conflict in Gaza has had devastating humanitarian consequences for the civilian population. It should also be recalled that, even prior to the recent conflict, Gaza was experiencing a serious humanitarian crisis due to the economic blockade by Israel and the effective isolation of the territory from the outside world.

At the international conference in support of the Palestinian economy for the reconstruction of Gaza, which was held in Egypt on 2 March, I pledged €2.5 million in funding to meet immediate humanitarian and recovery needs of the people of Gaza. Some €500,000 of this pledge was disbursed at an early stage of the conflict to a humanitarian response fund administered by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Since the beginning of the year, this fund has supported 19 emergency response projects in Gaza, operated by both non-governmental organisations and UN agencies, in sectors such as health, food and psychosocial support. Following the ceasefire and in response to a flash appeal co-ordinated by the UN, Irish Aid provided a further €1 million in support of the humanitarian activities of the UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA. UNRWA is the UN agency charged with responsibility for the welfare of all Palestinian refugees and it has been at the centre of the response to the Gaza crisis, where over 70% of the population are refugees.

I have earmarked a further €1 million in support of Gaza's recovery and reconstruction. The timing of disbursement will depend on the extent to which recovery programmes can be adequately implemented. Unfortunately, the closure of Gaza's border crossings continues to impede recovery and reconstruction programmes - a concern I have consistently highlighted, including to the Israeli authorities and in discussions with EU colleagues.

The support I have outlined is in addition to Irish Aid's broader programme of assistance for the Palestinian people. This includes support for a number of partners working specifically to promote and protect the human rights of the people of Gaza, including the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Gisha, an Israeli NGO which seeks to protect freedom of movement for Palestinians. Total Irish Aid funding to the Palestinian people in 2008 amounted to over €8.6 million. During the first four months of 2009, more than €6.2 million in assistance for the Palestinian people has already been disbursed or allocated.

Irish Aid has taken a deliberate strategic decision to support the people of Gaza in the current challenging circumstances through well-established and experienced partners. Working through organisations with existing field capacity, a comprehensive understanding of the local context, and a proven track record in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable is the most effective way of ensuring that aid can reach those most in need.

Officials from my Department have already met with representatives of the group under reference by the Deputy and have explained to them the strategic rationale for providing assistance to the people of Gaza through our pre-existing network of partnerships.

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