Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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370. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the decision to reduce electricity supply to the Gaza Strip which OCHA has warned will have disastrous consequences for the welfare of Gaza’s residents; if he has raised this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/17]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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380. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that have been taken by the Government to advance the Middle East peace talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34813/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 380 together.

I am currently visiting Israel and Palestine, meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, UN bodies including OCHA, and others, in order to discuss these and other issues. I will report fully on my visit later.

However, it is important to address one point that has been raised in the Israeli and Irish media in the context of my visit. My Department funds a number of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs working on human rights issues. This is important work, to support vulnerable people, and we will continue with it.

In relation to the Gaza electricity supply I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 261 on 4 July on this topic.