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

I thank the Deputy and appreciate that. Ireland is one of the most credible voices on the planet in regard to the Palestinian-Israeli issue. We continue to be at the centre of debate within the EU, trying to make progress where that is not easy. Getting any form of consensus across the EU on new thinking and action in respect of the Middle East peace process has proven very difficult. Believe me, we have been trying and will continue to do so between now and the end of the year.

I have spoken to several other foreign ministers, who have a similar view to Ireland on these issues, to see if we can build consensus in trying to introduce some new thinking in a way that can support democracy across Palestine and raise serious questions with a new Israeli Government in terms of its responsibilities. That is how we make a difference, rather than making grand statements or issuing press releases in response to reports, by changing something on the ground in terms of the EU's approach on this issue and our relationship with the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority.

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