Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2018
15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to invite a delegation from the Parliament in Gaza to meet with an all-party delegation in Dáil Éireann. [3495/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra29. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to arrange an all-party delegation to visit the Parliament in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3494/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 29 together.
The Palestinian Parliament, known as the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), was elected in 2006, but it has not held a regular session since 2007. There is a PLC building in Gaza, but Gaza does not have its own parliament, as such.
The occupied Palestinian territory is made up of both the West Bank and Gaza, and Ireland fully supports the unity of that territory. I welcome the recent progress towards a full return by the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, an effort that would restore a unified Palestinian Authority Government. I conveyed my support for this process directly to President Abbas during my visit to the Middle East earlier this month. I was very happy to be able to have a meeting with a Palestinian Authority Minister in Gaza during my visit, as a sign that that process is underway. In both meetings, I reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to working to end the blockade in Gaza, and to help provide positive prospects for young people there.
Following the 2006 election, the EU recognised as legitimate the Palestinian Government subsequently formed by Hamas, but also exercised its own right not to engage directly with members of Hamas, while it remains committed to an armed struggle. Ireland and the EU do engage fully with the current Palestinian Government, which is committed to pursuing the objective of a two state solution by purely peaceful means. It is for the Oireachtas, not the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to make arrangements for incoming or outgoing visits of parliamentary delegations. I would be happy to see Oireachtas cooperation with any Palestinian representatives who are committed to the peaceful achievement of a two state solution. I would note that my Department currently advises Irish citizens strongly against all travel to the Gaza Strip for security reasons.
