Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I have no difficulty in agreeing to the agenda set out by Deputy Timmins in regard to the elements of a final solution. When we raised this issue previously, I noted that the Northern Ireland peace process had benefited from a permanent secretariat and drew a contrast with the so-called roadmap, which has no secretariat. My suggestion was that a permanent secretariat might have been established for the Quartet. Does the Minister agree it is difficult to accept the utility of the Quartet's proposals given that they will be advanced by one member, the United States, which has a considerable influence on Israel?

Do I understand correctly that if the Arab League negotiates between Fatah and Hamas, the European Union would have no difficulty in negotiating with the Arab League on Palestinian interests?

We are agreed on our condemnation of all violence but would the Minister agree it is tragic that the destruction of houses in East Jerusalem has not stopped and that settlement expansion has not been frozen at Ma'alih Adoumim and the area near Jerusalem? There has been both an extension of settlements and what is referred to in Israel as a thickening of existing illegal settlements. The Minister's credibility is at stake if he does not also condemn that.

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