Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Ireland's long-standing concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza is well known. As I stated in my reply to the priority question on Gaza, the slight relaxation of the terms of the blockade in the last year has been completely insufficient. Along with our EU partners, we are continuing to press for a full opening up of the border crossings into Gaza to allow unimpeded flows of humanitarian aid, and normal commercial and human traffic.

I recognise the essentially humanitarian motivation which gave rise to last year's Gaza flotilla and also to the further flotilla now being planned. We will continue to press Israel to do all possible to facilitate those wishing to transport humanitarian goods to Gaza and, in particular, to avoid any repetition of the unacceptable use of force against last year's flotilla.

However, my Department's essential travel advice remains that people should not attempt to sail to Gaza at the present time and certainly should not attempt to break through a naval blockade of the kind which Israel has imposed on Gaza. I am deeply concerned that there is real potential for a similar disastrous outcome this year. The Deputy will understand that I cannot support a project which would involve Irish citizens engaging in actions which could lead them into real danger.

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