Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The temporary mechanism focuses on essential services, starting with health and includes a programme of vital assistance to families in need. The EU Commission has announced an allocation of €105 million under the temporary mechanism, thereby bringing the total level of EU aid to the Palestinian people so far this year to €259 million. Ireland has argued strongly for the widest possible coverage of needs, through the temporary mechanism, and the widest possible international donor involvement, including by the Arab states. It is essential for Israel to find a way to resume the transfer of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues, which is an issue that Ireland has consistently raised. The revenues in question are essential to the avoidance of a humanitarian crisis. Their retention has been the chief element of the financial crisis in the Palestinian territories.

In my current role, I have been party to many meetings about the complex and tragic situation in the Middle East. Such meetings have been held at many levels, including EU Council, Heads of State and at EU ministerial level, including the General Affairs and External Relations Council and Council of Europe ministerial levels. Neither Ireland nor the EU has failed to take a strong, constant, consistent and even-handed attitude to this sad situation. If the EU had not engaged in such persistent efforts, there would not be any real recognition or mobility in this situation at international level.

The international Quartet of the EU, the UN, the US and Russia has helped to make practical, pragmatic and sensible proposals on a daily basis. Mr. Javier Solana, who represents the EU at secretary general and high representative level, and successive EU Presidency representatives have made significant and positive efforts to develop an environment of peace and mutual respect in the region. Ireland has engaged with them fully at every level, including at diplomatic level. We are very proud of the work our diplomatic team does on a daily basis at every level on behalf of this country and the Government.

I reaffirm the Government's strong commitment to providing a balanced long-term programme of bilateral assistance to Palestine. That assistance amounted to over €4 million in 2005. The current level of funding will be maintained this year. We will respond generously to humanitarian developments, including by supporting the Palestinian office in Ireland.

I appreciate the strength of feeling in the Seanad on the current problems in Palestine. It reflects the Irish people's real sense of concern in this regard. The Government shares the strong belief that the current crisis must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy, without further death or injury. The only people with an interest in an alternative outcome are those who do not want a peaceful settlement to the Israeli -Palestinian conflict. We are determined to maintain Ireland's active involvement, directly and as an EU member state, in the urgent promotion of a negotiated two-state solution. That is the only viable way forward for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. I commend the Government's amendment to the Seanad for its approval.