Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue. I will share time with Senator David Norris who has already raised the issue in the House. I understand the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, is attending a meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and accept totally that he is unable to be present. I, therefore, welcome the Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs who is very involved in the region. The matter has been highlighted by a young councillor, Mr. Patrick Costello, who represents the Rathgar-Rathmines ward at Dublin City Council. I compliment him on raising it and bringing it to the attention of the Members of this House and others. He was in Palestine last year and has made a submission to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade in which he has outlined his concerns about the situation in Palestine.

We are well aware of the issues in the village of Susiya. The matter was raised comprehensively by Senator David Norris recently. To be quite frank, the Israeli Government has decided to demolish this Palestinian village. It is a very serious issue which will affect the lives of people in the area. There has been an absolute contravention of every rule and regulation governing international arrangements, but this is only part of what is happening in Israel in dealing with the Palestinian issue. We know about the increase in the number of houses constructed by the Israelis. However, the eyes of the world have been taken off what is happening in the region because of the threat posed by ISIS and other issues around the world. Somehow it is below radar, which is why the Israelis are conducting themselves in a most offensive manner towards Palestinians, as they did in the past. All we in this House are seeking - it has been the policy of this and previous Governments - is a two-state solution.

We have an ambassador in Tel Aviv. Will the Minister of State contact the ambassador and Israeli officials? Will he contact his opposite number in the Israeli Government and beg them not to proceed with this provocative action against Susiya which is very special to the people of the region?

I again compliment Senator David Norris who has outlined the exact position in great detail. I can make the Offical Report available to the Minister of State in order that he can read the Senator's contributions. I hope the Minister of State can take action as we should utilise international opinion. Given his responsibility for European affairs, I request him to raise the issue at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers to get the European Union involved in the region to protect the people of this village.