Air Corps

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Questions (153)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

153. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in light of the French and Jordanian delivery of aid to Gaza using military aircraft, and in light of the fact that it is unconfirmed whether France received permission from Israel to carry out this operation, acknowledging that the Irish Air Corps has similarly capable CASA-CN235 aircraft, and acknowledging the deployment of these aircraft by the State in relief and evacuation operations in response to crisis situations in Ukraine and Lebanon, if he intends to look into deploying Irish military aircraft in operations to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2769/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I am appalled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the scale of civilian casualties. The Government continues to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for an increase in humanitarian access and for the protection of civilians.

There are well established formal procedures at EU and National level to deal with requests for humanitarian assistance. These procedure have been successfully utilised on several occasions in relation to Ukraine. At this point no formal request for assistance has been received in relation to Gaza on the DG ECHO platform's, the Common Emergency Communications and Information System (CECIS) that would initiate an EU response.

Ireland’s response to the Gaza Crisis to date, includes the provision of in-kind assistance in addition to humanitarian funding, which are directed through a range of trusted partners (UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and International NGOs) who have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance.

In addition, Ireland’s emergency items are only provided on foot of a request from a humanitarian partner operating in Gaza. This ensures that the items are appropriate and in-demand, and that there is on-the-ground capacity to distribute it.