Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply and commend him for highlighting problems in Gaza, specifically the refusal of Israel to allow him to visit Gaza. Since the Lisbon treaty entered into force, the European Union has a High Representative, Catherine Ashton. It is time to translate our words into actions. As the Minister noted, Gaza is experiencing a major humanitarian problem caused by the displacement of people, destruction of schools and factories and inhuman living conditions. Conditions are terrible, as an Irish delegation, which included me, observed on a visit to the region last year. I understand from people who visited Gaza in the past month that the position has not changed.

Does the High Representative intend to visit Gaza? Is Gaza high on the agenda of the new Spanish Presidency? It is vital that the European Union, the United States and non-governmental organisations work together to rebuild Gaza where people live in isolation in an open prison.

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