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

I do not accept the Deputy's general criticism of the Irish Government's position. Globally, the Irish Government would be seen as one of the stronger contributors to this debate. It would be considered to consistently take a very principled approach on this matter. When we say "action", we have to specify first of all the effectiveness of further actions. We want to work with other European member states to get a significant critical mass of EU member states to take particular positions in respect of this. We work with the Palestinian Authority and representatives of Palestinians to strengthen and deepen the relationship with the European Union. Unfortunately, there is not consensus across the 27 EU member states on this. There are varying degrees of emphasis, with different countries having different policy approaches to this issue.

I referenced the two-state solution earlier. The continued expansion of settlements, and the composition of the new Israeli Government leads to my pessimism about the viability of the two-state solution, if the current Israeli Government's position continues as it has developed from the moment of its establishment. I feel it is honest to articulate that point. We still believe the two-state solution is the only viable way forward here.

I condemn the attacks going on. However, it is a matter of judgment as to how we further reflect our views. In the meantime, in terms of the organisations that were banned, we have been very supportive of them, not just financially but in raising it in various fora and with our Israeli counterparts.

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