Vol. 434 No. 3
31 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will consider the provision of financial or technical aid for the new Palestinian governed areas, following the recent agreement between Israel and the PLO; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following the signature of the agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation on 13 September 1993, a conference to support Middle East peace was convened in Washington on 1 October, co-sponsored by the Governments of the United States of America and of the Russian Federation. Ireland participated in the conference and pledged $1 million for the coming year, to support Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. It is envisaged that this level of commitment will be maintained in following years.
As part of this commitment, Ireland will increase its ongoing support for the UN Relief and Works Agency and for Bethlehem University. I should add that Ireland had already committed £300,000 in aid to the Occupied Territories this year.
Irish officials will visit the West Bank and Gaza in the near future to identify suitable areas for Irish support. It is anticipated that Irish aid will concentrate on key social sectors such as health, education, training and infrastructure. Ireland will also participate in the normal way in financing the commitments given at the conference by representatives of the European Community.
