Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

The immediate challenge is that there are tens of thousands of children who will starve to death if we do not increase the number of aid trucks that are flowing through. It is important to say that Irish aid trucks are getting through. Our officials have been on the ground and have been able to verify that, whether it is tents, food or medicine that is being provided, but we need substantially more. There are blockages being put in the way by Israel and we need that to change. I will do everything that I can and use my voice and work with colleagues to ensure that the aid increases.

In terms of the rebuilding of Gaza, in my meeting last week, we also had the first meeting with the Palestinian Authority and the Prime Minister and members of the Palestinian Authority who attended, with members from the Middle East, Europe and beyond. I specifically raised the fact that €3 billion in tax revenues are being withheld by Israel that should be going directly to Palestine, which would significantly help with the rebuilding, the investment in hospitals that is so badly needed and support for schools and young people. I will continue to raise this and many more issues, but we will also continue to ensure that aid is provided. Once the ceasefire agreement was reached, €6 million was committed by this Government to provide aid directly to Palestinian people. That aid is getting through, albeit, again, not at the rate we want it to.

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