Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Direct negotiations between the two sides are the only way to achieve a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. The issues are complex and difficult, but they are not insoluble and an agreement is there to be had, if there is the political will on both sides. The United States, under President Obama, with the support of the European Union and the Quartet, has worked over a long period to try to bring about the beginning of talks between the parties. However, apart from a brief and abortive beginning in September 2010, their efforts have been frustrated.

Last week the Quartet issued an important statement setting out a timetable for renewed talks. This calls for a preparatory meeting between the two sides to take place within one month to agree to a timetable of not later than the end of 2012 to reach an agreement. The parties will be expected to come forward within three months with comprehensive proposals on the initial issues of security and borders and to deal substantially with these within six months. Other issues would be addressed as progress allowed. This is a challenging timetable, but there is no reason it cannot be achieved if the parties genuinely wish to reach an agreement and are prepared to take the risks required. In particular, Israel must be encouraged to see that its own best interests are not served by maintaining the short-term advantages of the status quo and the occupation.

I very much hope we can convince the parties to engage on this basis. It is particularly important that they create the right conditions for success by refraining from provocative actions, including further settlement expansion. In this context, I condemn last week's announcement of 1,000 new dwellings being constructed in the east Jerusalem settlement of Gilo. Ireland, both nationally and in the European Union, will do everything it can to support the relaunching of substantive peace talks.

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