Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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182. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a list of civilian infrastructure projects supported by Irish Aid in Palestine; and an update on how each project has fared under Israeli bombardment. [13639/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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We are witnessing appalling scenes from Gaza again this week. Ireland condemns the resumed Israeli airstrikes and a new ground operation, bringing fresh suffering and breaching the cease fire. I continue to urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, resume humanitarian aid into Gaza, protect aid workers and stress that attacks on UN facilities are a violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Damage to civilian infrastructure has been immense.

Ireland contributes €3 million annually to the Palestinian Authority's Department of Education. This includes support to school buildings in the West Bank. The February 2025 damage assessment for Gaza and the West Bank does not have a damage estimate for education facilities in the West Bank.

Gaza reconstruction and recovery is now estimated at US$53 billion. Increased support to UNRWA's operations in Gaza have been central to the Government's response. The Government has provided €58 million in core funds to UNRWA since 2023. Our total support to Palestine since October 2023 is more than €72 million. 311 of UNRWA’s facilities have been damaged or destroyed in Gaza.

Also in Gaza, Ireland and partners supported the Palestinian Water Authority develop the €45 million North Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment plant. Ireland had disbursed €6 million of its €8 million commitment by end 2022, of which €5 million was applied before October 2023. Its construction was well advanced by October 2023. Its current condition is not known and it is not accessible. We have facilitated the use of some of our balance funds on the scheme to support ongoing emergency water system repairs in Gaza.

Through the West Bank Protection Consortium Ireland supports the prevention of forced displacement. In 2024 infrastructure worth €549,134 was affected by demolitions, confiscations, settler violence or forced abandonment. Ireland and partners submitted their latest compensation request to the Israeli Coordinator of the Government Activities in the Territories on 18 March 2025. The total compensation called for since 2015 is now €1.68 million.

A micro-electric solar grid installed by our partner COMET-ME was destroyed by violent settlers in Khallet al-Dabea in the West Bank in July 2024, Ireland’s funding to that was estimated at €4,700.

We will continue to call for International Humanitarian Law to be respected and damages compensated