Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which the Government voted on the EU decision to withdraw funding from the Palestinian National Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15609/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government plans to take in order to ensure that the EU rescinds the decision to withdraw funding from the Palestinian National Authority. [15610/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government intends to increase the funding provided directly to the Palestinian National Authority in order to assist with the shortfall resulting from the recent EU decision to withdraw funding from the Palestinian National Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15611/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 207, inclusive, together.

The meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, which I attended in Luxembourg on 10 April reviewed developments in the Middle East peace process in the light of the approval of a new Government by the Palestinian Legislative Council and the outcome of the Israeli general elections. There was consensus in GAERC that the EU would review its assistance to the Palestinians against the new Government's commitment to the principles set out by the Council and by the International Quartet on 30 January. These entail renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including those of the roadmap for a lasting and peaceful settlement based on the co-existence of two viable states.

The Council noted that the absence of commitment to the principles set out clearly by the international community will inevitably have an effect on direct assistance to the Government. However, it stressed that the EU will continue to provide necessary assistance to meet the basic needs of the Palestinian population. In the review process now under way, Ireland will press for a generous and wide-ranging interpretation of what constitutes this necessary assistance. At the same time, I would emphasise that positive movement from Hamas would greatly facilitate such an approach, and would serve the interests of the Palestinian people. The Council also urged Israel to take steps to improve the humanitarian and economic situation of the Palestinians including resumption of transfers of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues.

The Government is strongly committed to continuing Ireland's bilateral assistance to the Palestinian people, with particular emphasis on meeting humanitarian needs. It is strongly committed to continuing Ireland's bilateral assistance to the Palestinian people, with particular emphasis on meeting humanitarian needs. We have already made clear that we are determined to maintain the overall volume of our assistance, which amounted to over €4 million in 2005. I can assure the Deputy that, both nationally and in co-operation with our EU partners, the Government will continue to promote a lasting, just and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We will also do all that is within our capacity to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, while taking full account of the wider political realities.