Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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333. To ask the Minister for Finance if he or Ministers of State from his Department raised recent breaches of international law by Israel such as cutting off food, water, and electricity to civilian populations in Gaza during recent visits to EU Member States over the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15256/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, St Patrick’s Day, and the programmes of engagement that are built around it, presents the Government with a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland and to further deepen links with our counterparts and countries around the world. The main focus of my visit to Germany was to promote Irish trade, tourism and investment and to connect with the German-Irish community.

I travelled to Frankfurt and Berlin from 11 to 15 March, with all my engagements focused on bilateral and EU Economic issues. It must be said that it took place as the process of forming a new German Government had got underway after the general election that took place on February 23. On this occasion political engagements were therefore limited, with the main such contact being with my German counterpart from the outgoing Government.

My colleague, Minister of State Troy, visited Scotland and the Czech Republic and I understand his contacts were of a similar nature.

The Government is of course extremely concerned about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and is making this view clear on a sustained and regular basis. As the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have reiterated in recent days, all parties are urged to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. All parties – Hamas and Israel – must meet their commitments in full, including the release of remaining hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale. Israel’s continuing blockade of humanitarian supplies is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis and this must be lifted immediately.