Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Our position has consistently been to link any upgrade of relations with Israel with progress on the political front towards a resolution of the regional conflict. More recently, we have sought a dual-track approach which includes an upgrading in relations with the Palestinian Authority. We have consistently made that argument.

In the aftermath of the Gaza offensive, I have written to the Presidency to state that from Ireland's perspective relations cannot be a case of business as usual. Our view is that the situation is not being progressed at present, although proposals may be returned to the table at some stage. An upgrade in relations must be linked with the issues raised by Deputy Ó Snodaigh and settlements in particular.

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