Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

As I said in response to an earlier question, this issue is very much a priority for me and for the Government. I made clear at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council on 12 April that the Government and I want to see this issue addressed by the council.

Our view is that the blockade should not exist, that the situation in Gaza is absolutely intolerable, and that there is a necessity to allow humanitarian aid, building materials and so on into Gaza so that trade and other activities can continue. It should not be the case that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be delivered by sea. I have accepted and acknowledged the motivation of the people who are engaged in that, and I have made clear that the blockade should not apply. I assure Deputies that this is an issue to which we will return.

With regard to the comments made by Deputy Costello and Proinsias De Rossa, MEP, I will have my Department review them.

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