Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
103. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether, in light of the Taoiseach’s recent comments, his Department is actively considering a change to the conditions on which Ireland will provide aid to vulnerable people and communities in Palestine; whether the Minister or his Department has engaged with the Taoiseach on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52337/23]
View answerIreland's long-standing development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people has been provided as an integral part of our contribution to the achievement of a just, enduring and stable peace based on a two-State solution. So far this year, we have provided a total of €29 million in development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people this year.
The focus of the Government's assistance has been, and will continue to be, on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable Palestinian communities. This includes Palestine refugees in neighbouring countries. Ireland's work in Palestine focuses on education, capacity-building of Palestinian institutions, reducing humanitarian need, promoting gender equality and good governance, and human rights.
We have responded quickly and decisively to the increased needs in the aftermath of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel and the escalating, unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israel’s military response. On 18 October, the Tanaiste announced an immediate package of Irish funding of €13 million - €10 million for UNRWA and €3 million for UN OCHA’s Palestine Humanitarian Fund. UNRWA delivers essential services, including in education and health, supporting 5.7 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza. We stand ready to provide further assistance in the coming weeks.
We remain steadfast supporters of our trusted partners in their efforts to deliver needs-based humanitarian and development aid in the most appalling conditions, while we continue to press for a humanitarian ceasefire, and the protection of civilians, as a pre-requisite for a credible political process.
