Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. My motivation for tabling this question is the fact that this is probably the most emotive foreign affairs issue and takes up the most time. In my time in this House, it appears that both sides of the argument are becoming more divisive.

I note the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Michael Woods, is seated behind the Minister. It has come to the stage where, with the best will in the world, the committee almost becomes dysfunctional because the two extremes of the debate in Ireland are almost being reflected in it at this stage. It has happened unbeknownst to members.

How can we expect people in the Middle East to resolve their conflict if we here in Ireland are so divisive along with the various interest groups? I will send the Minister correspondence on a forum. I would hope he would look upon the proposal favourably. Where I am coming from is to try to bring in the various interest groups. In this House we have a friends of Palestinian group and a friends of Israel group. That is not a good idea. We should have a friends of Israel and Palestine group. We are only adding to the divisions.

I will drop the Minister a note on the matter. I thank him for his reply. I realise it would involve a cost but if the economic circumstances allow, I suggest that there be a bringing together of these groups to let them approach the matter in an open and fair way. Many of those who pronounce on this solemnly believe that is where they come from. I really try to go down the middle on this and when I see both sides, I find the approach being adopted by some a little disheartening.

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