Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been clear on recent comments by the United States on the Golan Heights. We have been consistent and clear about the corrosive impact of expanding settlements in terms of the expanding size of some existing settlements and new settlement activity, both in the West Bank and on the Golan Heights. It fundamentally undermines the capacity to function in the context of the two-state solution for a future Palestinian state. That is stating the obvious.

In truth, the EU has found it difficult to make decisions on the Middle East peace process in many ways. However, it has been unanimous in its collective criticism of settlement activity, and I believe that will continue. The High Representative, Ms Mogherini, has been very strong on this issue. She has repeatedly issued collective EU statements on the European Union's concerns regarding settlement activity. We have taken action. I outlined three actions we have taken on labelling, tariffs and ensuring that consumers understand what they are buying.

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