Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to see the political process put back on track. In all of those meetings, the emphasis was placed on ensuring there were talks leading towards a two-state solution. The Deputy will be aware that elections are taking place in Israel currently. I hope we will see elections to the Palestinian Authority in the very near future.

I refer to what the Deputy said in regard to formal recognition of the state of Palestine. Members will be aware that the motion passed by the Dáil in December called on the Government to do everything it can at the international level to help secure an inclusive and viable peace process and two-state solution in order to bring about the positive conditions to end conflict in the area. The earlier Seanad motion in October used almost the same wording.

As Minister, everything I do on this issue is about ensuring that Ireland's actions will make a positive contribution towards that goal. In this regard, I had a very good discussion with the EU High Representative Mogherini in Dublin last month and again in a telephone call from the ground in Israel last week. As mentioned in my response to the Dáil motion, it is considered that it would be impractical and possibly counter-productive to attempt new initiatives while the Israeli elections are ongoing. I have consistently argued for a fundamental review of EU policy and I have assured the EU High Representative of my support and that of the Irish people.

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