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

When I visited the region last week it brought home to me in a very practical and visible way the impacts of the settlements on the daily lives of the people in the region and also the impact on the prospects for future negotiations and peace. I share what the Deputy has said. It is very clear that only the ending of the occupation will resolve the issue of the settlements and other problems affecting the area.

It is right, therefore, that the European Union's priority is to work for a resumption of direct negotiations to reach a peace agreement. The European Union has made clear its readiness to give exceptional support to a peace agreement between the parties. This could be physical support, such as a mission, technical assistance or political support. In the meantime, it is essential that Ireland and the European Union retain a strong focus on the practical issues on the ground, especially the policies on settlements in the West Bank which the Deputy mentioned. It is important that the issue continues to attract our ongoing and positive engagement.

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