Written answers
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Middle East
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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94. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken by him at a European Union ministers of foreign affairs level to get agreement to aid, support and facilitate war refugees from Israel's genocidal war on the Palestinian in the same way that Ukrainian war refugees were supported by countries in the EU, including Ireland, over the past two years. [21483/24]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am appalled by the increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. I have repeatedly stressed this point at regular meetings of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.
I also called for continued support from the European Commission and EU Member States to the United Nations Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA), which is the backbone of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Earlier this year, I announced €20 million in core funding to UNRWA to support the organisation’s vital and life-saving work. Ireland welcomed the decision by the Commission to release €50 million of urgently needed humanitarian aid.
Over 100 Irish citizens and dependents have left Gaza, with the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs. There is a small number of Irish citizens, and their dependents, remaining in Gaza.
Responsibility for applications for international protection in Ireland lies with the Department of Justice.
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