Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy asked quite a number of questions. I welcome the fact that this motion was drafted with the support of the entire Dáil. I discussed the matter with the spokespersons from the different parties beforehand, showed the text to everyone and took on board some suggestions in order that we might have a complete text that represents the democratic voice of the Irish people - through the nation's Parliament - on this issue. Arriving at an agreed text was important because it sends a unified statement to Israel and to the international community with regard to this country's stance.

During our discussions, I made a number of key points to the Israeli ambassador to Ireland. I reiterated our condemnation of what has happened and requested the immediate and unconditional release of Irish citizens. I also requested full consular access to our citizens because in the 24 hours immediately following the incident, Ireland and all other EU member states were denied such access to their citizens. The latter was in violation of the Vienna Convention. I can confirm that the staff of the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv have met all of the citizens that are currently detained. Our ambassador met the two citizens who signed the declaration and who are on their way back to Ireland.

We conveyed our view to the Israeli ambassador that this incident was caused by the overriding issue of the illegal blockade on Gaza. We called for maximum restraint in respect of the MV Rachel Corrie, which is currently sailing towards Gaza. We asked the ambassador to request that, in light of what has happened, his Government should allow this vessel to sail unimpeded into Gaza.

At our meeting, the Israeli ambassador took the line that has been conveyed by his Government's spokespersons. To a large extent, we put to him clear messages to be conveyed to his Government. The Israeli line has been to endeavour to defend what happened by stating that their soldiers were attacked, etc. We pointed out that there is a complete blackout in respect of information coming from anybody who was on board any of the vessels that were involved in the incident. This is either due to the fact that it is impossible to obtain access to such people or because communications were jammed in the 24 hours immediately following the incident.

The story will unfold in the coming days and we may become privy to more information in respect of what actually transpired. It will be interesting to hear first-hand accounts from those who were present. Other pictures may emerge in time. We must be conscious of that fact, particularly in the context of how we analyse what has happened, reflect on events and comment further. There may be more to this matter than has first appeared to be the case.

The Deputy inquired about the possibility of Ireland bringing aid to Gaza. We have supported the provision of aid to Gaza on a continuous basis, primarily through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, and in particular in support of the construction of education and health facilities. UNRWA has been hindered by the blockade. For example, it has encountered tremendous difficulties in the context of obtaining cement for the construction of schools. I visited a school in Gaza which, essentially, is housed in shipping containers. With all of the international aid that is available, it would be easy, if the blockade were lifted, to construct a modern building to house the school in question.

As Members stated, the blockade makes absolutely no sense and has undermined moderate opinion in Gaza. As Deputy Higgins stated, it has also hardened hearts. The blockade has deprived people of the basic necessities of life. We know from our history what that means for the resolution of conflict, peace-building, establishing parity of esteem and transforming relationships between peoples. All the blockade is doing is undermining any potential efforts towards peace-making and copperfastening prejudices, views, etc.

On my visit to the Middle East, I met a group of business people who had been trading with Israeli merchants for a considerable period prior to the war on Gaza and the imposition of the blockade. Paradoxically, these individuals have been driven out of business and a new business elite has emerged. Members of the latter operate through the tunnels that run under the border and are obliged to pay customs fees to Hamas, the very organisation Israel states it wishes to undermine and suppress.

I was inspired by what I witnessed in the schools run by UNRWA, where children learn about the Holocaust. In addition, they are also taught modules relating to human rights. The children at the school performed a drama for me which centred on the themes of human rights and having respect for citizens from different backgrounds. UNRWA is engaged in heroic work in Gaza. It is led in this work by, among others, Mr. John Ging, who has been extremely effective, fair and objective in his approach. Our aid has been channelled mainly through UNRWA.

There would be no need for convoys, either official or non-governmental in nature, if common sense prevailed. I am glad the European Union statement on this matter identified the counterproductive nature of the blockade. There is a basic humanitarian issue that arises in the context of the blockade but there is also the fact that, as the EU states, it is completely counterproductive.

The measures open to Government in respect of future action are self-evident. At European Union level, we have already contributed strongly to the view that there can be no upgrading of the association agreement with Israel, particularly in light of the political situation there and the policies that have been implemented in recent times. As a result of the events of recent days, we will continue to ensure this will not happen in the foreseeable future.

We have other options open to us in terms of engagement with our European colleagues. Deputy Durkan and others called on us to engage but the reality is we have already done so. In the last year and a half to two years there has been a shift on the part of a significant number of European Union countries. It may not be discernible from some distance, but it is discernible to me and others, culminating in the Swedish Presidency's progressive and constructive conclusions in December which offered the potential parameters of an ultimate solution and set out an unequivocal position in regard to the blockade on Gaza itself.

It would be a significant move if Hamas were to agree to the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit. Such a move has the potential to transform the situation. We have repeatedly called for his release and will continue to do so as a measure that would have a significant impact on the situation in Gaza.

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