Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a lot of engagement at European level in this regard. It is obviously important that this continues and I welcome the fact that this month, there will be that meeting I referenced to the Deputy's colleague, Deputy Ó Laoghaire, of the EU-Israel association agreement. Ireland has been arguing that for a long time. It should have happened a long time ago and will happen this month.

I also welcome that in the following month, March, crucially, there will be a high-level political dialogue with Palestine in the European Union. Despite the differences of opinion - there are stark differences between member states on certain issues regarding the Middle East and we have to be honest about that - there are some fundamental things on which people agree, that is, a cessation of violence, a ceasefire, the release of the hostages and, overwhelmingly, a two-state solution. That is where the European Union's focus has to remain, particularly at a time when others are making comments that seem to threaten the very viability of that proposition.

I should also say that we already support both the EU border assistance mission and the EU police mission through the provision of a civilian staff member. I have now asked my officials to see if we can do more in this area.

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