Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the impact on the citizens of Gaza of the removal of EU funding for fuel to operate the Gaza power station; his views on the thinking behind this proposal; if he has supported same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Electricity supplies in Gaza during 2009 were generally stable at about 202 Megawatts – 120 MW supplied by and purchased from Israel, 17 MW purchased from Egypt, and 65MW produced in the Gaza Power Plant. This is estimated to be about 70% of the total demand for power in Gaza, if all domestic, civic and normal commercial needs were met. The Gaza Power Plant operates at reduced capacity because, under the current blockade, Israel limits import of fuel oil for the generator to 2.2 million litres per week (full capacity generating would use 3.3 million litres per week). As a result, power rationing in Gaza is frequent, and many users have recourse to private generators. The running of the power plant below capacity, and frequent shutting down of one or other of the turbines, increases wear and tear on the system. This, linked with the shortage of spare parts, leads to breakdowns and more power outages.

The Palestinian Authority pays for the purchase of power from Israel and Egypt, and the provision of fuel for the Gaza Power Plant. The European Union and its Member States provide extensive financial support for the Palestinian people through the Palestinian Authority. This formerly included funding to the PA specifically for fuel for Gaza.

In November 2009, at the initiative of the Palestinian Authority, EU financial support to the PA was restructured so that the level of support remained the same, but less was tied to specific spending headings. This is in line with the general intention to allow the PA, to the greatest extent possible, to set its own priorities. The EU has maintained its support at the same level, but no longer specifies that a given portion must be spent on fuel. It is not correct, as has been suggested in material recently circulated to Deputies, that EU funding has been withdrawn, or that budget pressures were a factor.

The Palestinian Authority agreed with the EU in November 2009 that it would remain responsible for electricity provision in Gaza, and would maintain provision of fuel oil. Substantial quantities of fuel have been transported into Gaza for this purpose, but there does seem to have been some shortfall of provision in January – 1.8 million litres instead of 2.2 million as before. It is not clear yet whether this is for technical reasons or because of ongoing disputes over the provision by the de facto authorities in Gaza of some payment to the PA for the power supplied.

Any additional worsening of the conditions of the people of Gaza is deeply regrettable. If any difficulties between Palestinians are exacerbating this, then I urge them strongly to resolve this. However, it is quite clear that the continuing power cuts and rationing in Gaza are due overwhelmingly to the continuing blockade by Israel. I will continue to argue in every forum open to me that this blockade is unacceptable and must be ended as a matter of urgency.