Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)

Whatever is the Minister's official role, he has an important role to play in this situation. It is totally remiss of him not to take the opportunity when he is in the region to attempt to visit Gaza. If he is suggesting his schedule is so tight that he can only fit in a visit to Lebanon, that is one issue. However, he should consider my suggestion and if he plans to visit anywhere else, Gaza should be top of his list. I do not believe I have a simplistic view. The Minister's own view is partisan. Perhaps he might develop a better understanding of the situation and the plight of ordinary people if he were to take the trouble to take the not too large a step of paying a visit to view the situation in Gaza at first hand. He might then be better informed and able to come back and brief the House.

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