Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to the first matter, when there is sufficient progress to report, the House will be informed of these issues. As I said, we are not in a position to report sufficient progress at this point but when sufficient progress has been made, when we know where were are going and understand there will be support for what the texts state at that point, we will be in a position to have a meaningful discussion about it.

On the second point, a parliamentary question on the detail of EU policy towards the state of Israel in the context of Middle East policy would be best put to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for a most accurate and up-to-date position in terms of what Foreign Ministers have been saying and doing on this matter, acting collectively as a General Affairs and External Relations Council.

However, I do not necessarily agree the course of action the Deputy proposed would influence for the better the need for a change in policy on the Israel position in regard to Gaza or the two state solution being achieved more quickly than would otherwise be the case. I believe engaging with people, even with those with whom I disagree, on various matters in an effort to influence them. The Deputy might accept, in terms of the political developments of his party, that excluding them from processes has very limited value.

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