John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct that the primary concern is with the demolition and confiscation and the hardship and injustice that have been caused to Palestinian families. He is aware that I have visited the West Bank and seen the conditions in which many Palestinians are living. On the main issue of the Israelis' attitude towards the West Bank and the settlements, I am aware that the Tánaiste has on a number of occasions conveyed Ireland's deep concern and abhorrence of how settlements are being created and how the education system in the West Bank is being affected. When I went to the West Bank, I visited many schools. I met representatives of the Palestinians. I then went to Tel Aviv to the Knesset. I met representatives of the Israeli Government. I went there in my capacity of Minister of State with responsibility for research, education and innovation. I conveyed my dissatisfaction as to how people in the West Bank were being treated on behalf of the Government. The two ambassadors who work for Ireland in Palestine and Israel do a really good job in reminding Israel of its commitments to Palestinians in the region.

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