Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies to Deputy Crowe and Senator Bacik for omitting to deal with the issue of CETA in my earlier response. Senator Bacik referred to the CETA motion in the Seanad but it was also the subject of a Dáil debate last week when my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills outlined the national approach by Ireland.

We are fully satisfied that the provisional application of the CETA agreement will in no way conflict with Ireland's legal or constitutional requirements. I want to add that an agreement between Canada and the European Union would be good for trade, Europe, Ireland, our people and our people seeking employment. It will help Ireland continue what is a very fragile but positive road to economic recovery. I am happy to keep the House informed of further developments. It was an issue that I had the opportunity to discuss with some colleagues in Europe on Monday.

Deputy O'Sullivan mentioned Colombia. It is important that Ireland continues to play a strong role as far as its influence and experience is concerned. I am in regular contact with my former colleague, the EU Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia, Mr. Eamon Gilmore. As soon as the result was announced efforts were made to ensure that dialogue continued. As the Deputy has said, it is important that Ireland and the international community continues to rally around the people of Colombia. Since the plebiscite the Nobel peace prize has been awarded to President Santos. The award should act as a further act of encouragement to all who continue to strive for peace. There is an EU trust fund to which Ireland has made a contribution and I have encouraged some of my EU colleagues to participate in what will be an important arrangement. I am happy to keep the House fully informed of developments.

On the status of Palestine, members will be aware that the Dáil has on two occasions, in October and December 2014, passed motions on the matter of recognition as has the Upper House. I refer members to the programme for Government in which we stated that the Government is committed to recognising the state of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict in the region. I keep this issue under continuous and constant review. Whether the immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, prior to its real and lasting achievement on the ground, could be helpful is something to which we must at all times give consideration. Will it help resolve the conflict in the region that has bedevilled the citizenry over a long number of years? I was in the region in June when I had an opportunity to meet President Netanyahu and Prime Minister Hamdallah. The matter is part of Ireland's ongoing consideration. I know that the members opposite have been present and I refer them to the importance of the French initiative. I expect that there will be further developments on the initiative between now and the end of the year. I am committed to ensuring that Ireland makes every effort to influence what is a serious conflict in the region.

As for the bank accounts, this is a commercial matter for the banks. I do not have evidence for why this act took place, but I have written to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, in general terms because this concern was brought to my attention. I hope these issues can be resolved but, really, they are outside of my control. They are commercial decisions taken by the banks.

I agree with Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan on the ongoing issue of the settlements. They are not only illegal but also an obstacle to peace in the region. I had the opportunity to say that directly to the Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, in June last and also to the chairman of the Israeli foreign affairs committee, Mr. Avi Dichter, who was here recently and also met members of the committee and the Chairman, Deputy Smith. I hope the Middle East peace process will remain high on the agenda at European level, notwithstanding the huge challenges and crises around the world. I will continue to raise these issues.

In response to Deputy Darragh O'Brien on Brexit, I acknowledge his support on this issue, and particularly the support of his party leader. I do not wish to comment on the involvement or membership of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in any committee under the UK Government. The Secretary of State was appointed in mid-summer and I have spoken to him on at least four occasions in the time since then. I assure the committee that I will continue high-level engagement with both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Mr. Davis, who was here in September at my invitation. I had a constructive meeting with him. I have also spoken to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr. Johnson, on a number of occasions and I expect that he will visit Dublin early next year, if not towards the end of this year. There is constant high-level engagement in London, Belfast and Dublin on the part of senior officials.

I am sure there will be a further opportunity on Question Time next week to comment in detail on the priorities of the Government on the matter of Brexit. Those priorities are the economy and trade, the situation in Northern Ireland and the peace process, the preservation and maintenance of the common travel area between our respective jurisdictions and Ireland's position within the European Union, with Ireland firmly remaining an active, positive and constructive member of the Union at the negotiating table with our 26 EU colleagues discussing and negotiating the withdrawal of the United Kingdom.