Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is not the responsibility of Ireland. The Middle East peace process is a key priority for Ireland at EU level and on the UN Security Council. Indeed, with regard to the Security Council, which I am delighted has been mentioned on multiple occasions today, it was raised most recently on 19 January. The Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan in the first week in November and he set out our continued support for a two-state solution. The House should not forget that Ireland was the first country in the world to advocate for a two-state solution. Ireland has a tremendously supportive track record for the people of Palestine and for peace between Israel and Palestine.

I will take this opportunity to answer a question put from Deputies Mairéad Farrell and Andrews, and others about the evictions. The Government is deeply troubled by the evictions and demolitions which took place in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem on 19 January. Israel must cease evictions and demolitions and comply with all obligations under international humanitarian law. These actions undermine the prospects for peace and risk increasing violence. Ireland's representative in Palestine continues to monitor the situation closely. Ireland's ambassador in Tel Aviv has communicated our concerns directly to Israel. We issued a joint press statement with France on this issue after the UN Security Council meeting on 19 January.

On the designation of the NGOs as terrorist entities, we are continuing to raise our concerns about these organisations, which are in receipt of funding from Irish Aid and the EU. We are committed to funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders in Palestine-----

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