Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister. I did not intend to speak on the motion but I am glad that it was brought forward because it gives us the opportunity to discuss whether peace can be achieved and whether there is any way to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict and the awful mess in Iraq. I have given some thought to the matter and I believe there is a way to achieve these things. Senator Lydon touched on it when he said the only way forward is through political negotiation. We must then consider how to bring together those from Israel and Palestine to discuss matters. During Ireland's Presidency of the EU, everything possible was done to move matters forward. Unfortunately, however, a backward step has been taken.

We have witnessed the awful deaths and injuries that have resulted from the upsurge in violence along the Gaza Strip and in southern Israel. Our priority must be for Ireland to find a way to help resolve matters. The Minister will have an important role to play in this regard and I ask him, on behalf of the House, to do everything in his power to find a way to express Ireland's interest in the peace process and for us to formulate a solution for the problems between Israel and Palestine.

I do not know what to say about Iraq. I am completely against the war there. I have been traumatised by the barbaric murders shown on television. I do not know whether we will find a solution to this problem but I hope the Minister will indicate how best we might move forward. I hope he will also state whether the interim government is capable, perhaps with support from the United Nations or the United State, of resolving matters and whether the member states of the European Union can help to find a way forward. Events in Iraq cannot remain on their current course. No purpose is served by what is happening there at present. What are those involved there trying to solve? Is any country or member state in a position to come forward with a solution that might work?

I do not have much more to say. I merely wish to state that the current position cannot be allowed to stand. I ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to do everything possible to promote the Government's position in respect of round table discussions. I do not care whether these relate to Israel, Palestine or Iraq. The only way the problems will be solved is by people negotiating with each other. I ask the Minister to do everything in his power to ensure that Ireland provides assistance in whatever way possible.