Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

341. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to Israel’s continued demolition of structures in Palestine that were built with EU funding which includes schools, houses and other important infrastructure; his plans to protect infrastructure in Palestine, particularly infrastructure that has been paid for with the help of Irish taxpayers, from being illegally demolished by Israel; and if he will request compensation for demolished structures from Israel. [31874/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Demolitions by Israel of Palestinian structures, including houses and infrastructure such as water and power structures and animal housing, are an ongoing issue and matter of serious concern. This practice is growing in intensity at a time when international opinion has repeatedly called for an end to provocative actions on the ground.

Demolition of structures which have been funded by EU or national programmes, including for instance of emergency shelters provided to evicted Palestinian families, is just one element of this practice, but one which has understandably gained increasing prominence in public awareness in Europe.

We have discussed specific cases of demolitions here in the House, and Deputies will be aware that EU missions, including our own, have been active on the ground in trying to protect threatened communities. However, it is not possible to physically prevent demolitions, or to be present everywhere.

The EU has been discussing for some time the range of issues in Area C in Palestine, including demolitions, and the issue of demolition of EU funded structures. Ireland has argued consistently for a stronger response to these practices. However, the approach of some partners to these issues differs greatly, and agreement has not yet been reached.