Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

My question, No. 33, specifically asked about communication the Minister may have had from UNRWA, which is responsible for the repair and building of houses and the distribution of aid. To put it bluntly, I am interested in the report that may exist or had been sought from John Ging and his staff on whether changes had in fact taken place to enable the import of materials for the repair and building of houses.

I welcome the fact that the Minister is holding out for a full international inquiry; this has my support. My understanding is that some of the arrangements for the distribution of the cargo of the Rachel Corrie have broken down. This is being handled by the UN mission in Jerusalem, where we are represented. What is the position on the delivery of the complete cargo and the arrangement of its distribution with UNRA?

I also wish to mention issues arising with regard to personal property, namely, the large number of vessels that are in Ashdod at present. What mechanisms does the Minister envisage for the return of property to those who had it taken from them on the high seas, including the vessels in which they were sailing?

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