Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The very short answer is that we will. Both I and my officials interact with a wide variety of international partners on the Middle East. This remains a major priority for the Government and, I know, for the people of Ireland, who are rightly repulsed by what they see happening, particularly in Gaza but also in the West Bank. Ireland’s engagement is guided by our long-standing and principled position, notably respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike, and unwavering support for the two-state solution. While Ireland is not a member of the group referred to by the Deputy, as he knows, the Government is committed to working with all partners around the world in service of these objectives.

Ireland will be represented at an official level from our embassy at the meeting in Bogotá next week, on 15 and 16 July. At the EU level, the situation in Israel and Palestine remains a standing item on the Foreign Affairs Council each month. The next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council will also take place on 15 July, where this will be discussed again. Ireland has been centrally involved in the work of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was founded at UN high-level week last year and has met several times since then. Across all of our bilateral and multilateral engagement, Ireland has consistently underlined the need for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. Ireland is a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court - I want to say that because this is a court coming under incredible attack - as well as being a supporter of the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute.

My overarching priority, and the overarching priority of the Government, is to contribute to a co-ordinated and consolidated effort by the international community as a whole to support a return to a ceasefire, a hostage release agreement and a surge of humanitarian access into Gaza. This all makes it possible to safeguard the two-state solution and to work towards the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and to uphold the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

I look forward to the Government being represented at official level in Bogotá next week.

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