Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The answer to that is "Yes". Our influence as a small state has been well recognised. It is not a new-found influence; it recognises the steadfast support of the international organisations by the Irish people and by successive Governments over many years. We make our priorities known in many ways for many of the programmes. The Irish influence is evident. Yes, the organisations produce annual reports with reference to the programmes and I am sure the reports can be made available to the committee at any time.

Deputy Grealish spoke about relations with Iran. To add to what I said earlier, our representative in Ankara has current responsibility for our engagement with Iran and we also have an active honorary consul in Tehran. We keep under review the matter of a more positive presence or level of engagement. Having regard to the changed circumstances in Iran, there is a desire now, not only on Ireland's part but on the part of the European Union and the international community to work towards improved relations with Iran. Last year's visit by EU High Representative Mogherini to Tehran was important. We continue at EU level to ensure that we look at a greater level of opportunity in terms of trade, technical co-operation and a level of political dialogue which recognises both Iran's role and its influence in the region. I met the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament here last year and other Members, perhaps even members of this committee, have engaged on a bilateral basis. I must acknowledge there are difficulties in the area of human rights and with regard to Iran's involvement in and association with a number of conflicts and tension points in the region, which must also be borne in mind. I will be happy to keep the committee informed. It is my belief that we should continue along the path of dialogue to ensure that we can have an improved relationship across a range of pursuits. I am a great believer in dialogue across a range of issues. That also plugs into the St. Patrick's Day event. People should avail of opportunities to speak at all levels.

In response to Deputy O'Brien's contribution on the Middle East peace process, I visited the region twice, officially, in recent years. I have discussed the Middle East peace process with both local leaders, EU colleagues, senior persons at the highest level in the Palestinian Administration and directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu last year in Jerusalem, along with former defence Minister and current Minister Lieberman and others. I acknowledge what the programme for Government states and the commitment on the part of the Government to ensure the viability of a two-state solution in an area of great challenge, which has been the case for many years. I am committed to continuing to acknowledge the importance of the two-state solution. I keep under continuous review whether an immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, prior to its real achievement on the ground, is helpful towards the goal of finding a lasting resolution to this conflict. It is not a matter of making up my mind. It is not a matter of me being unwilling. Neither is it a matter of the Government being unwilling but it is a matter of ensuring that we make what will be a lasting contribution. Deputy Darragh O'Brien calls on me to condemn the settlement expansion in a way that perhaps he feels I have not been doing.