Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015
618. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he will raise at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council; the urgent need to provide for the supply of construction materials to Gaza to enable the rebuilding of homes, infrastructure and other necessary facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34509/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra619. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise, at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council, the urgent need to ensure the aid promised by the international community at the pledging conference following the major loss of life, destruction of homes and other necessary facilities in Gaza in August 2014 is provided without further delay, given the humanitarian needs of the citizens of that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34510/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 618 and 619 together.
Ireland is a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian people and we currently provide an average of €10 million per year in development and humanitarian assistance. During my visit to Gaza earlier this year, I saw first-hand the devastating humanitarian consequences of last year’s conflict, and the particularly difficult impact on children, which compounded already difficult living conditions. As an immediate response to the Gaza crisis, Ireland provided €500,000 to the Emergency Appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to help provide urgently needed food, shelter and medical aid to thousands of families many of whom had to flee their homes.
At the International Gaza Reconstruction Conference, which I attended last October, I pledged a further €2.5 million towards both urgent immediate needs as well as long term recovery efforts. €1 million of this has been provided to UNRWA’s Gaza Emergency Appeal. A further €500,000 will be provided to UN partners this year with the remaining €1 million of the pledge to be disbursed in 2016.
The World Bank is taking the lead on monitoring pledges made at the International Gaza Reconstruction Conference and their most recent report of 30 September 2015 indicates that thirty five per cent of the money pledged at the Conference has been disbursed. I am aware this rate of disbursement is less than expected and I certainly urge all countries to fulfil their pledges.
It should be recalled, of course, that many of the pledges made, like Ireland’s, were to be phased over a period of time. And also that many states made clear that their willingness to donate was linked to progress in discussions to ensure that this type of conflict did not happen again. Unfortunately, there has been very little progress in this regard.
Ireland will continue to press, at EU level and elsewhere, to maintain focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza and for an end to the blockade.
