Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for that advice. This is something the Taoiseach should consider, in the interests of trying to arrive at clarity and information. Sometimes it is difficult when totally different questions are grouped together.

The national reform programme contains no specific 2020 poverty reduction targets. Why is there no reference to that? It repeats the existing targets for reduction of consistent poverty contained in the national action programme for social inclusion by 2016. The deadline is not contained in the Government plan and the Government does not appear to have met or mentioned the guideline required by the Europe 2020 strategy. There is no reference to those experiencing relative poverty or the growing number of people throughout the island, especially in this State, who are defined as working poor.

My other question relates to the Taoiseach's future trips. Does he plan to visit Palestine or Israel during his term of office and, if not, will he consider doing so? The Taoiseach may wish to note and I am sure the Minister for Foreign Affairs has noted the agreement between the main political movements in Palestine. It is a welcome development and offers up the hope of a negotiated settlement once again which recognises the rights of the Palestinian people.

See this speech in context