Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I have already indicated that it is not the core programme of Irish Aid to support such a movement. In essence, it seems the Free Gaza Movement is an advocacy group that engages in very high-profile events such as the flotillas identified by the Deputy.

The preponderance of our aid goes through the Palestinian Authority, with aid supporting its governance functions in the West Bank and Gaza. Much of our aid goes to UNRWA, which targets education and health centres in Gaza itself. There are also a number of NGOs, which I outlined.

We must be careful that we allocate aid in a strategic and focused way and do not spread our wings too far, giving out minute grants to everybody. We must get greater value for money and better outputs and outcomes by working with strategic partners.

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