Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The matter raised by Deputy Costello sets the contrast to the contention to which we listened for the previous ten minutes, that is, that the Irish Government has had a less than robust position regarding these matters. In fact, it gives a lie to that contention because clearly the Irish Government is perceived by some authorities as being more robust than others regarding these matters. The critique to which I listened for the previous ten minutes was that Ireland is not, a view which has been held by elements of the authorities in Israel for some time. I have always sought to ensure our relations with Israel were such that we could be frank friends with it. If one wants to influence what is a very difficult situation, one has to keep open the lines of communication. One can be robust and frank but one also has to have a position which is seen as credible and relevant.

On the point made by Deputy Costello, it is a matter of concern any time an Irish diplomat or politician is denied access when others gain it. Other Irish citizens, as we know, have been doing Trojan work - humanitarian and otherwise - in Gaza for many years under the flag of the United Nations and have been equally vociferous when they have seen injustice or violence perpetrated on a population which was not in compliance, in their view, with international conventions or rules of conflict. That will continue to be the case. The Minister is simply displaying our determination to be with the people concerned and physically present in order that we can see and assess for ourselves, apart from the many reports we obtained from our diplomatic personnel, the situation in Gaza and how we can help and influence events by being robust but fair with all.

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