Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty and the refusal of the Israeli authorities to grant a visa to him to visit Gaza, the European Union will make a more concerted effort under the Spanish Presidency to reconstruct Gaza in view of the fact that the ongoing blockade is resulting in a deepening humanitarian crisis with four in five persons dependent on some form of foreign aid. [7362/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have paid particular attention to the worsening conditions in Gaza, even before the conflict one year ago. I have stressed the humanitarian needs of the population and urgent necessity to end the blockade and open the border crossings not only to unrestricted humanitarian aid, but also to reconstruction materials and ordinary commercial traffic.

While the blockade of Gaza is unacceptable in itself, it is also politically counter-productive. It enriches militants through their control of smuggling but prevents ordinary citizens from rebuilding their homes and businesses. Virtually no reconstruction has been possible and families have been unable to rebuild their homes or even replace windows and doors. Economic life is virtually impossible so that an ever growing population is almost entirely dependent on outside aid.

The continuing blockade of Gaza is, in this sense, the collective punishment of a population of 1.5 million for the unacceptable actions of a small minority in their midst in launching indiscriminate and deadly attacks into Israel. It is also difficult to understand the reason, in periods such as now when the level of such attacks has been greatly reduced or minimised, the blockade continues unchanged.

I discuss these issues regularly with my European Union colleagues. The Foreign Affairs Council in December adopted detailed conclusions on the Middle East, including clear language on Gaza and the need for an immediate and unconditional opening of the crossing points. High Representative Ashton has responsibility under the Lisbon treaty for clearly articulating the European Union viewpoint on the Middle East and the need for urgent progress towards a negotiated two state solution.

It has always been my intention to visit Gaza and see the problems there for myself. I also wish to see the impact and effectiveness of the substantial assistance we give to Gaza from Irish Aid. My interest in a visit was only strengthened by the disastrous course of events in Gaza over the past year. I sought to make a visit last December which would have included Gaza as well as Israel and the West Bank. As Deputies know, the Israeli authorities refused to allow me permission to cross into Gaza. Israel contends that a visit to Gaza would serve to legitimise Hamas, irrespective of whether meetings with Hamas representatives took place. I continue to find this explanation unconvincing.

It is clear the Israeli authorities are refusing all political level visits to Gaza at this time. Supposed security considerations have also been cited. This is a matter of deep disappointment and concern to me. It is still my intention to make such a visit and I hope to be given a positive response in future. However, the main issue for me remains the unacceptable restrictions placed on the people of Gaza.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his reply and commend him for highlighting problems in Gaza, specifically the refusal of Israel to allow him to visit Gaza. Since the Lisbon treaty entered into force, the European Union has a High Representative, Catherine Ashton. It is time to translate our words into actions. As the Minister noted, Gaza is experiencing a major humanitarian problem caused by the displacement of people, destruction of schools and factories and inhuman living conditions. Conditions are terrible, as an Irish delegation, which included me, observed on a visit to the region last year. I understand from people who visited Gaza in the past month that the position has not changed.

Does the High Representative intend to visit Gaza? Is Gaza high on the agenda of the new Spanish Presidency? It is vital that the European Union, the United States and non-governmental organisations work together to rebuild Gaza where people live in isolation in an open prison.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I wrote to the Spanish Foreign Minister Moratinos on this issue and, given the incoming Spanish Presidency, the need for co-ordinated, collective action by European Union Foreign Ministers on visiting Gaza. The European Union, under the High Representative, is committed to doing everything possible to rebuild Gaza and provide substantial moneys, as pledged by the European Union in the donor conference held some time ago, to support reconstruction. It is clear the will is there.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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The moneys are not allowed to be spent.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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That is the key problem at the moment. We will do everything we can to ensure Gaza remains a key priority in the wider issue of the Middle East process. In the early months of last year, as a result of renewed optimism about the prospect of talks, people may have taken the view that Gaza would be unlocked once the talks process was unlocked. This has not occurred and, if anything, the position in Gaza has become worse.

At meetings of Foreign Ministers, most recently in December, we have consistently raised the issue of Gaza in discussions on the Middle East as a key humanitarian consideration and one which demands immediate action. Ireland was influential and partially responsible for the strong conclusions of the December meeting on Gaza.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Of the $4 billion pledged for Gaza, not one cent has been spent. Is the Minister aware of the problems with electricity in Gaza? Is it not the case that the $97 million per annum the European Union provided towards the costs of operating a generator in Gaza been transferred to Ramallah? As a result of this decision, many residents only have electricity for eight hours per day, which exacerbates the problems they experience as a result of the war. I ask the Minister to endeavour to have the EU funding reallocated to the company which generates electricity in Gaza. The lack of access to electricity supplies is a major problem, as is the EU decision to cease providing funds to Gaza for this purpose.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I concur with the Deputy. The blockade has had a devastating impact on life in Gaza. As I noted, in essence the blockade constitutes collective punishment of 1.5 million people and is unacceptable. I am angry because in terms of international law and convention, humanitarian rights and so forth the blockade is unacceptable and without justification. It is also having the impact to which the Deputy referred.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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What is the position on European Union funding for Gaza?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have no doubt the EU funding will continue to be available. I also have no doubt that the European Union has the capacity to do the work it wants to do, particularly in terms of infrastructural requirements such as sewage and water treatment plants, electricity supply and hospitals. The French Government made a key proposal on Gaza's hospitals. All the aid is waiting to get into Gaza and we will continue to maintain pressure as best we can to ensure a resolution is found to this unacceptable and unjustifiable situation.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister aware of the electricity problems being experienced in Gaza?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Yes.