Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My view on the continued unacceptable expansion and further development of settlements by the Israelis is quite clear. I acknowledge UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which states clearly that the settlements are illegal and that they actively undermine the prospects for a sustainable negotiated two-state solution. I have said that on numerous occasions and I have conveyed the message to the Israelis. In fact, the most recent announcements proposing more than 3,000 units are deeply disappointing because to my mind those actions and ongoing activities serve only to undermine the reputation of Israel and the credibility of declarations on the part of its Government towards support for a negotiated peaceful solution. I call again at this committee this morning for an end to all settlement construction and a reversal of current announcements. Yes, I have made my position and that of the Government perfectly clear, directly to the Israelis. I want the Government's position to form a very positive part of moving towards a solution. I was very pleased to represent the Government at two internationally convened peace conferences in Paris last year and again in January of this year. It is important that international engagement is also acknowledged in the context of any unilateral action that may be considered on the part of this country. This is a matter to which we will have an opportunity of returning both on Question Time and in the broader plenary sessions of the Dáil agenda.

Deputy Darragh O'Brien mentioned his meeting with the Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit. I acknowledge the importance of that meeting. That influential figure is a friend of Ireland and there is an element of goodwill there in terms of our relationship, which is important for us in respect of our UN Security Council campaign.

That campaign is under way. It will be a difficult challenge, as indeed all campaigns are. I wish to assure the House of a very active, positive and constructive engagement on the part of Ireland. Ireland, Norway and Canada are in a campaign for two positions and both myself and my Government colleagues are taking every opportunity we have to engage with our international colleagues.

I wish to acknowledge the positive contribution of Deputy O'Brien when speaking to the secretary general of the Arab League. Any influence that can be brought to bear by this committee in terms of parliamentary engagement is always positive and I would ask the committee to continue in that regard.