Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 119, 127, 143, 145 and 149 together.

I have already set out the very difficult situation in the Gaza Strip in my earlier reply to a priority question. The Government agrees with those who state that the effective isolation of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law.

There is also a political dimension to the problems in Gaza and, in this regard, the Government strongly supports efforts being made by Egypt, on behalf of the Arab League, to work with all Palestinian factions to bring about reconciliation. I understand that a meeting is to take place in Cairo on 9 November between the different factions. Egypt is also making efforts to broker a deal which would secure the release by Hamas of the captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, in return for the release of prisoners by Israel.

Positive developments in these efforts would no doubt significantly contribute to an end to all violence in and from the occupied territories and facilitate a lifting of restrictions on the movement of Palestinians, both in Gaza and in the West Bank. The EU will give every possible support to the process. It has already stated that it is ready to resume the border assistance mission at the Rafah crossing-point in the event of agreement between Israel, the Palestinians and Egypt. In the meantime, I would urge Hamas to ensure the humane treatment of Gilad Shalit, and to permit access by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Government will continue to work with our partners to strengthen the political role of the European Union in the promotion of a negotiated two-state solution. The agreement at the EU-Israel Association Council on 16 June to upgrade relations with Israel was placed firmly in this context. Discussions with Israel on the precise elements of the upgrading are only just beginning and will continue in the months ahead. They are likely to include intensified political and human rights discussions. In particular, it is hoped to establish in the near future an EU-Israel sub-committee on human rights, which would complement the work of existing bodies such as the Association Council, the Association Committee and the EU-Israel Sub-Committee on Political Dialogue and Co-operation, in monitoring implementation of the EU-Israel Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement.

The Government believes that the peace process must remain at the heart of the European Union's relations with Israel and the Palestinians. Ireland strongly hopes that the Interim Association Agreement between the EU and Palestine Liberation Organisation, which entered into force on 1 July 1997, can be implemented as soon as possible. Its objective is to create a free-trade area between the European Union and the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and to establish a comprehensive framework for political, trade, economic and financial co-operation. Together with our European Union partners, we have urged Israel to facilitate its implementation and to join a trilateral dialogue with the EU and the Palestinian Authority. We would very much hope to see moves towards negotiation of a full association agreement as soon as conditions permit. We already enjoy excellent bilateral relations with the Palestinian Authority and look forward to these developing in the period ahead.

See this speech in context