Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I committed to and have pointed out, Ireland will continue to be a strong advocate to try to deliver a two-state solution. Even to say this now is a major challenge. We were the first EU state to lead in advocating a two-state solution when we produced a joint declaration with Bahrain in 1980. We have continued to work with like-minded partners. We have continued to be a leader in this field in respect of trying to devise a solution in an extremely complex region. We will continue to do so with like-minded countries and try to build consensus in a very challenging environment.

We have had several meetings and continue to have bilateral meetings regarding efforts in this regard. The EU's special representative, Eamon Gilmore, has been in the region this year as well. He has been in both areas trying to work on building consensus. We have also seen the Tánaiste visiting the region. As he pointed out in the Dáil, or in a recent interview, let us just think about what is happening now in the context of what he experienced in the region during his visit. It is so horrific to see the circumstances that have developed in recent days. We will, though, continue to do our very best.