Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a humanitarian convoy which has been organised by the Palestinian Return Centre and other non-governmental organisations is now trapped in Egypt and is prohibited from entering Gaza to deliver medical equipment there; if he has been in contact with the Egyptian Government about same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39758/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to question 772 of the 3rd November as outlined below:

I have not been contacted by any charitable group in connection with this convoy. However, I have had enquiries made with the Egyptian authorities in relation to it. I understand that the convoy in question is a very large shipment of aid organised by Palestinian groups in a number of European countries, primarily the UK. It was organised in proper consultation with the Egyptian authorities, and permissions issued. Unfortunately, however, the shipment was sent to Port Said, whereas all shipments for Gaza are now to be routed through the port of Arish, closest to Gaza. I understand Egyptian officials and the Egyptian Red Crescent are arranging its transfer to Arish.

A separate difficulty is that a very large number of persons have travelled with the convoy intending to enter Gaza, and the Egyptian authorities had not been notified of this. They are now processing these individuals and will in due course decide if some or all of them can be admitted to Gaza.