Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I detect from the Taoiseach's reply that there is no fresh European initiative in respect of the situation in Gaza and the Middle East. In the context of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union, is he aware of or is he leading a new initiative to bring greater pressure to bear on the Israeli authorities in respect of the blockade and the acceleration in the process of constructing settlements? Ultimately, the latter undermine the potential for a two-state solution to emerge. With the exception of the odd articulation of opposition, this problem has been allowed to continue with the acquiescence of the global community. There is a need for a fresh initiative. Next week the Taoiseach will be meeting President Obama who will be visiting the region shortly and in the light of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union, he should initiate a discussion on this matter. What is happening is unacceptable. The population of Gaza has literally been imprisoned. The impact of the conflict is bad enough but the sense of imprisonment is perhaps worse. Young people cannot even go out and engage in what we would consider to be normal activity. Without the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, this sad and unacceptable situation would be catastrophic.

In the context of the Taoiseach's discussions with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and his forthcoming discussions with President Obama, it is important for Ireland to indicate where matters stand with regard to the operation of the institutions under the Good Friday Agreement. I do not share Deputy Adams's perspective on this matter. The Deputy had a cut at me in terms of my assessment of the position. As I articulated recently in Belfast, my views are shared across the board.

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