Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the Middle East, Deputy Smith spoke about the need to have ongoing engagement with both sides. There is a recently appointed new Israeli ambassador. I have had the opportunity to meet with him and have a frank engagement. There was a senior delegation at official level from Israel here last week. I had the opportunity to meet the Palestinian foreign Minister in late September in New York. I continue to raise the unacceptable escalation of violence at every opportunity with both Israeli and Palestinian representatives.