Flooding and Palestine
Deputy Shanahan raised flooding in east Cork and west Waterford and also referred to Palestine. The Tánaiste noted concerns about the Blackwater Valley, then said the Government was working for a humanitarian corridor, an immediate ceasefire, and extra UN funding for relief.
I convey my support to the people of east Cork and west Waterford who have been impacted by flooding. I thank the rescue services and council workers, particularly in Tallow, Lismore, Dungarvan and Clashmore. The Blackwater Valley will probably flood over the next couple of days. I ask that the Government give a clear signal to the local authorities that necessary funding will be provided.
I supported the motion yesterday on Palestine, which described the awful vista that is being visited upon the people there at the present time. I support the Government's position of showing solidarity with all those impacted and its commitment to provide further humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Can the Government do more to support building peace in Gaza and opening the humanitarian corridors that are so desperately needed? Can Ireland be at the vanguard of a coalition of the willing in staying the hand of the Israeli Prime Minister?
Comment on this
I will answer one question while noting the Deputy's concern about the potential flooding of the Blackwater Valley, which we will take steps to assess.
On Palestine, the Government is working with all the regional partners in the neighbourhood on restoring the humanitarian corridor and calling for an immediate ceasefire to enable humanitarian goods to get in. On the broader issue, we announced an extra €13 million in funding via the UN agencies last evening, on top of the €16 million of core funding we give. We support a lot of human rights organisations and those who are working on the ground for peace and reconciliation between Arab and Israeli people who live in mixed cities.