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

Yesterday, I attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, involving 28 EU members states, in Luxembourg. The High Representative, Federica Mogherini, has made it quite clear that she wants the Foreign Affairs Council to review the approach of the European Union to the Middle East peace process. I have strongly supported this view and I have raised the matter at Council level. I am pleased that, in response, the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, has indicated that this issue will form part of the agenda for the next Foreign Affairs Council in May.

I would like to acknowledge Deputy Crowe's comments regarding a recent letter, to which my name and the names of other EU Foreign Ministers were appended. The aim of the letter was to ensure a certain level of influence will be brought to bear regarding the settlements in the region. I had an opportunity to visit the area of the settlements which is under some legal dispute. I acknowledge the recent decision of the High Court in that regard. I assure Deputy Crowe that Ireland will continue to keep a close eye on the situation in the region.

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