Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

This must involve the ending of violence on all sides, including an end to rocket attacks on Israel and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. The captured Israeli soldier must be freed. The detained Palestinian legislators must be released from prison. The closure of Gaza must be brought to an end through the re-opening of border crossing points for people and goods. The EU has made it clear that it is ready to play its part locally.

Despite a common misconception that the European Union has cut off assistance to the Palestinians, the member states of the Union are providing essential assistance at higher levels than at any time in recent years. Community assistance administered by the European Commission stands at €330 million so far this year — a third higher than the annual total over the past five years. The EU has taken the lead in establishing a temporary international mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people.

We continue to impress on Israel the urgent need to resume the transfer of taxes and customs revenues to the Palestinian Authority, if necessary through this special mechanism. The withholding of more than €450 million since April last is the main component in the financial crisis facing the Palestinian Authority. At national level Ireland's bilateral assistance will rise by about 25% this year to €5.4 million. I assure this House that the Government remains ready to respond further to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.

The building of a momentum for peace in the Middle East represents the greatest challenge to date for the foreign policy of the European Union. The Government and our partners are determined that the challenge will be met in the interests of all the people of the region. I warmly welcome the opportunity to hear the views of the Members of Seanad Éireann here today.