Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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41. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will exert pressure on the European Union to take action against Israel for its breaches of international law, in relation to the collective punishment which is being served to citizens of Gaza as a result of the blockade; if he will seek agreement that upgraded trade relations and research programmes for Israel should be halted until the Rafah crossing is open and the people of Gaza given freedom of movement. [51697/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I have consistently called for the end of all restrictions on normal movement in and out of Gaza, and will continue to do so. Ireland is very much to the fore in raising concerns with our European partners on the restrictive measures on access and movement imposed on Gaza by Israel and Egypt and pressing for strong EU action to improve the situation within the Territory. There has been some easing of the blockade in recent years, but far too little to allow the Gaza Strip to resume normal life. The restrictions recently imposed at the Rafah crossing have been undertaken by the Egyptian Government on security grounds and are unconnected with the Israeli authorities.