Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. However, I caution that we cannot overstate the leverage that can be gained from something like the Horizon fund in respect of this issue because there is not unanimity across the European Union with regard to Israel and Palestine. Ireland has had a very strong position on the matter for many years. Other member states do not share our perspective on the issue. We succeeded in having an agreed conclusion this week in respect of the issue in the context of calling for a two-state solution and a cessation of hostilities. The Deputy will recall, however, that it was very difficult for the Foreign Affairs Council to get agreement on the issue. We will continue to raise this matter at all fora, from the Security Council down, in terms of the need for Israel to adopt initiatives and policies that facilitate long-term peace,but also proper treatment of Palestinians and movement towards a two-state solution.

See this speech in context