Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

No one wants to see a situation where a major hit is made on the deposits of savers. Last week, when the Cypriot deal was initially done, people asked why we did not follow suit and said it was a great idea. Now we know and those who were arguing one way now have an entirely different position.

On the Jerusalem report, it was agreed at the summit that foreign affairs issues, of which there were a number, including the issue of Syria, would be referred back to the Foreign Affairs Council. There was a meeting of foreign affairs Ministers last weekend in Dublin at which the issue of Syria was discussed. There is an ongoing discussion on the Middle East peace process and an ongoing dialogue between the European Union and the United States of America, in particular.

President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry visited the Middle East last week. I had discussions with Secretary of State Kerry before the visit and we are in continuing contact about the visit and about getting discussions moving to try to bring about a settlement of the crisis in the Middle East. The Taoiseach and I discussed the Middle East peace process with President Obama when we met him during the St. Patrick's Day events. We will keep up contact with the United States Administration to use the leverage of the United States Administration and the European Union to try to renew the talks and discussions to get a settlement of the Middle East peace process.

The European Union has taken a strong position on the settlements, which are illegal. They should not proceed with the continuation of settlements in the West Bank. If they continue, it will make the achievement of a two-state solution physically impossible. We need to concentrate on renewed efforts to get talks going to bring about lasting peace in the Middle East.

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