Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The reference to European Council meetings in the question has no relevance to foreign and general affairs meetings, which is outside the scope of these questions. The problem is that when one shows the courtesy of answering questions even if they are outside the scope of the relevant questions, it is then used as a precedent for the next set of questions by the next speaker. One cannot win.

With regard to the matters the Deputy raised, I have made the point previously, and the Deputy will be aware of this, that if we wish to influence the situation we can go about it in two ways. We can seek access to both sides of the argument and put forward our positions or we can decide to take one side of the case exclusively and not have a very fruitful relationship with the other protagonists in the conflict. If one wishes to influence events, one must take the former course, make one's points and try to influence events in that way. One could stand on the sideline and talk about issues that will win favour with elements of one's audience but one will not influence the situation very much. It is called diplomacy.

Diplomacy is not about compromising on principle but about trying to bring a greater number of people to the point of view one holds and which one believes provides the prospect of a solution to the problem under discussion. Ireland has a very honourable tradition in that respect with regard to this conflict. As a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and knowing what predecessors and successors have done, I can state that despite the intractability of this problem Ireland has never been slow to put its position bilaterally to the parties concerned when, where and if necessary.

The EU has a common foreign and security policy. It is not based on majority vote but on consensus. The consensus position of the European Union on this matter is articulated at EU level, and where we are in a position to be a little more robust on some issues of concern we do that bilaterally. However, in the context of the Council meeting of Foreign Ministers, the common foreign and security policy position is the one that has been articulated. Ireland has a particular interest and position in this matter. We have the goodwill of all sides and are well regarded in the region. We are seen as honest players who do not have an agenda and are simply calling it as we see it. There have been atrocities on all sides in this conflict, all of which must be condemned. There is no hierarchy of victims of terrorist violence or of violent conflict generally.

Whether the Deputy accepts our position is a matter for himself but this Government, as its predecessors have consistently done, will continue to be an influence for fair play, self determination for the Palestinian people and the right of the state of Israel to exist peacefully.

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