Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the findings of the World Bank in its recent report Palestinian Economic Prospects that 98% of Gaza's industrial operations are inactive, he will make a statement on Israel's continuing blockade of Gaza, despite the cessation of rockets firing out of Gaza. [33432/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts his officials have had with Hamas in view of a statement (details supplied) made on 11 March 2008. [33433/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.

The Government remains seriously concerned about the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza, where the population of 1.5 million have been facing unsustainable conditions of daily life. Aid dependency is now at an all-time high. We have consistently called for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, in particular through the re-opening of crossing points for people and goods. In my recent speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations, I stated my strong view that improving conditions on the ground in the Palestinian Territories would make a significant and critical contribution to creating the right context for talks between Israel and the Palestinians to succeed.

Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to ensure that our concerns about these matters are conveyed to the Israeli Government at every appropriate opportunity. I also conveyed the Government's concerns directly to Foreign Minister Livni during my visit to Israel on 9-10 July 2008. I emphasised the importance of full implementation of the Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East, including the lifting of restrictions on access and movement, and an immediate freeze of Israeli settlements. I argued strongly that Israel has to provide the Palestinian people with evidence that the political process works and can lead to an improvement in their daily lives, and stressed that we regarded the isolation of Gaza as politically counterproductive and unjust.

The Government warmly welcomes the continuing ceasefire in Gaza, in force since 19 June, as well as the improvement in the security situation in the West Bank. We hope that measures taken to date will contribute to an end to all violence in and from the Occupied Territories, and facilitate the urgent reopening of crossing points for people and goods and a lifting of restrictions on the movement of Palestinians, both in Gaza and the West Bank.

In line with EU policy, we continue to have no contact with Hamas. However, the Government believes that there can be no overall political settlement which does not include Gaza, and that Hamas will inevitably have to be brought into the process. In this regard, it would be particularly helpful if Hamas took steps to build confidence in its intentions. Furthermore, we strongly support ongoing efforts by Egypt, on behalf of the Arab League, to work with all parties to bring about Palestinian reconciliation. If these efforts succeed, it will be necessary for the international community to review its policy towards Hamas.