Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The demolitions, unacceptable as they are, need to be placed in the wider context of the settlement issue, on which I have made my position clear in this House and outside. I had the opportunity of speaking directly to the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, when I met him in his office in June.

The continuing expansion of illegal settlements, in effect, threatens the viability of the two-state solution and the overall Middle East peace process. Next week in Paris, I will have the opportunity to discuss with my French counterpart, Jean Marc Ayrault, his Government's efforts to inject new momentum into the peace process.

I am pleased Ireland was invited earlier this year to an initiative by the French Government to inject new momentum into this stalled process. I will be discussing the issue next week and I would be happy to provide details of the next steps to the House.

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