Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
158. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how many Irish citizens remain in Gaza, and to comment on the delay in evacuating Irish citizens across the Rafah border; what action is being taken to secure their safe passage; what actions are being taken to ensure humanitarian aid is reaching those affected in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50161/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring the safe exit from Gaza of all Irish citizens and their accompanying dependants who wished to leave has been a priority of the Government and my own department since the outbreak of the current crisis.
My Department and I worked tirelessly to facilitate the necessary clearance by the relevant authorities for Irish citizens, together with dependent family members accompanying them. I spoke personally by phone with Foreign Ministers from across the region, and carried out a visit to the region during which I met with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Israel.
To date, my Department has assisted 56 Irish citizens and accompanying dependents to leave Gaza. A small number of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. We will continue to work consistently with the relevant authorities to assist other Irish citizens and accompanying dependants who wish to exit Gaza.
The process by which foreign passport holders and accompanying family members have been cleared to leave Gaza is coordinated by the relevant authorities. The process has been managed on a phased basis given the numbers involved.
Of course I am concerned about the broader civilian population of Gaza. We have been calling for an extended ceasefire, which should facilitate a continued scale up of humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilian population. They urgently need fuel, food, water, and medical supplies, on a sustained basis and at scale.
The Government has announced an initial €13 million in additional funding for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. This additional funding brings Ireland’s support to the people of Palestine in 2023 to €29 million. Other funding has also been made available through the funds and agencies to whom Ireland provides pre-positioned funding, allowing rapid response in an emergency. This includes the World Health Organisation, CERF and International Federation of the Red Cross.
