Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The meeting I had with the ambassador was specifically about the flotilla. I had earlier meetings, as the Deputy knows, with regard to the issue of Irish passports being used in an assassination in Dubai. I reported that to the House and there was considerable debate about it. I have had frequent discussions with the Israeli ambassador over the last number of months on different but related issues, and I have raised the issue of settlement in the context of those discussions. It is our view that Israeli policy, particularly in more recent times, has undermined the voice of moderation, particularly in the Arab world and among Palestinians. This has in many ways been counter-productive in terms of obtaining a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict and is slowing down the momentum behind proximity talks and full direct talks. I have made those points repeatedly to the ambassador and will continue to do so.

I was the first European Minister to go into Gaza following the Israeli decision not to allow Ministers in through its borders. With regard to suggestions in the last couple of days that there could be a further visit by EU Ministers to Gaza, I welcome any visit by EU Ministers, but the terms of the visit must be correct. We must be cautious about how such visits occur. I am all in favour of it because the more people who go in, the more the issue is highlighted and the higher its profile.

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