Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Kenny as an ábhar tábhachtach seo a ardú inniu. Tá sé an-tábhachtach go bhfuil sé á phlé againn inniu agus go bhfuilimid ag cáineadh go crua an rud atá déanta ag Iosrael le chéile.

I, too, take this opportunity to address the sad passing, as Deputy Kenny mentioned, of Dr. Saeb Erekat, the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, PLO, and the Palestinian chief negotiator. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, apologies that he cannot be here in person. He met Dr. Erekat on many occasions during his visits to the region and in Dublin when he accompanied President Abbas on his visit in 2018. On behalf of the Government, I extend our sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time and, indeed, to the Palestinian community in Ireland who will mourn the loss.

I am aware of the specific case the Deputy mentioned. The Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement on it last week and it was raised with me during statements on the European Council a number of weeks ago. It is worth reiterating what we have said carefully and clearly. The demolition by Israeli authorities of private property, including in the Humsa Al Bqai'a community on 3 November, is of grave concern. Demolition and confiscation of humanitarian assets, including education infrastructure, is contrary to Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law and, in particular, contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention. As the occupying power, Israel has clear obligations towards the members of this community, including the 41 children impacted disgracefully by the demolitions.

Ireland's representative office in Ramallah visited the site of the demolitions on 6 November along with other diplomatic representatives. We have, therefore, a keen eye on this and we are looking closely at the situation. Ireland, the EU and the wider humanitarian community are ready to support those impacted. I reiterate the call on Israel to cease this practice immediately and to live up to its sacred responsibilities to protect local communities rather than demolish them.

The destruction of the Humsa Al Bqai'a community is part of a significant acceleration of confiscations and demolitions in 2020, despite commitments from Israeli authorities not to target Palestinian residential structures during the pandemic. The only conclusion we can draw from the systematic nature of these policies, especially in areas where illegal Israeli settlements have already been constructed, is that they are aimed at forcing Palestinians off their land. The demolition of Palestinian homes and the demolition or seizure of related structures such as water tanks, wells, solar panels, schools and animal housing are cruel and unjust actions. These practices also cause suffering to ordinary Palestinians and impinge on the right of children to an education.

In answer to the Deputy's question, Ireland regularly conveys its views to the Israeli authorities both directly and through the European Union. In his statement on the 16 October, the Minister called on Israel to halt the demolition and allow for legal construction for Palestinian residents. The Minister and others, including my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, who visited Israel some years ago, have raised these and other issues regularly.

Irish officials continue to follow the issue closely on the ground. Ireland's ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised the issue with the Israeli authorities in recent weeks along with a group of EU and non-EU colleagues. Our representative office in Ramallah has visited a number of sensitive sites in recent weeks, including the Ras al-Teen school. The Irish Government and people in Ireland are committed to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in area C of the West Bank. Ireland is a member of the West Bank Protection Consortium which plays a leading role in supporting threatened communities and co-ordinating the provision of essential services to them, including material assistance and legal aid.

I will address some of the other issues related to money in a moment.

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