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

The answer to the Deputy's question is "Yes". I have been consistent on settlements, whether I am speaking to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Dr. Saeb Erekat, a European Commissioner or other Ministers for foreign affairs. It is important that we say the same things in this House as we would say in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Ramallah. We challenge people but also try to work with them to find a way forward. Ultimately, we have to be part of an international effort to broker a peace agreement that Israelis and Palestinians can live with. We have to be blunt, honest and consistent in our messaging and critical at times, where that is justified. However, we should not be seen as one-sided. It is not being one-sided to call out inconsistencies with international law when it comes to the illegality of settlements and their expansion. Unfortunately, some people view my comments as being one-sided when they are not. They are consistent with the views of the international community and the European Union as a collective, even on an issue that can be divisive, particularly within the EU.

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