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

I understand the Deputy's perspective on this. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, my job is to use my judgment to consider how we can create a position where Ireland can be as influential as possible in the bigger picture. That is how to work with other governments around the world to create an environment where Israeli and Palestinian negotiators can sit around a table negotiating a permanent solution to a conflict that has been going on for decades. That is the issue. Of course, there is also the question of how we ensure we are both consistent and credible in our constructive criticism of the actions taken primarily by Israeli authorities. If there are other violent actions involving Palestinians, we must also be consistent on that. I have been very consistent in calling out breaches of international and humanitarian law. I will continue to do that while trying to ensure we can maximise Ireland's influence on the bigger picture as well.

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