Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister said there were six European countries represented, as well as Jordan and Egypt. Can he tell us if representatives from Israel were invited and, if so, did they decline? Were there other invitees who either declined or did not turn up? Fianna Fáil shares the Government's interest in the Middle East peace process. It is a long-running conflict. A two-state solution which would deliver a fully sovereign state of Palestine independent of and coexisting with Israel is a goal we all want to achieve. It is a cause of concern for us all that, despite condemnation by Ireland, the European Union and many in the international community, Israel is continuing the settlement programme in the occupied territories. This is counterproductive and will work against any peace initiative. My party and I wholly condemn the anti-Semitic attacks and increase in anti-Semitic activity across Europe and elsewhere, of which recent events in France are examples. Were representatives from Israel invited to the meeting? Who else declined? Was there any consensus on the way forward? Does the Tánaiste accept that Israel is acting unilaterally in continuing to build settlements in the occupied territories? Does he also accept that it is in breach of international law?

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