Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

It has taken a long time for us in Ireland to verify that fully, but it has been verified. The sincerity of the people who began the process is not in question now. It was in question over a period of 12 years in this country.

While it is clear from what the Minister, Deputy Ahern, said earlier, I want to provide some clarification on the following matter. I am the Minister of State with responsibility for overseas aid and we support the Palestinian Authority. In 2005, we provided assistance to the tune of €4 million for the situation in Palestine, and that assistance will continue. If the situation deteriorates, like in any other country in Africa, Latin America or Asia, we will have to consider redirecting aid if we are not happy with the quality of government and the issues confronting us. However, it is not an issue at the moment. The situation is not as acute as it is in Ethiopia and Uganda where there are serious issues about redirecting aid. We will redirect aid if we are not happy with the quality of the elected government and what is being done in the name of the Palestinian people. We are not obliged to do so. We have our own independence in regard to how we deploy our money.

I want to make it clear that if we redirect aid, we will do so to the advantage of those who are suffering in Palestine and not to their disadvantage. As I have indicated in regard to other issues, we will not be cutting and running. As Minister of State I will produce a White Paper in July and I have indicated informally that I would consider including Palestine as a programme country and elevate and deepen our involvement in the region. I am disappointed this may not now be possible because of the difficulties involved. However, I will try to make allowances for it. If the politician situation in the region improves, I will be ready to increase, enhance and deepen our involvement with Palestine and assist it to make the transition we all want and expect of it. This will be subject to the political situation improving on a consensual basis.