Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

On this issue, I make the point they are on the right side.

We must nurture and be suitably supportive of all efforts underway at achieving intra-Palestinian reconciliation, since early progress in reviving overall peace efforts is best achieved. At a meeting between the different sides, I said one of the reasons there was such a disproportionate response was the reality that the brothers were divided, and the fact there were two sides on the Palestinian side gave encouragement for the disproportionate activity we saw in Gaza. This is the point I see as praiseworthy in the efforts of Egypt. The important criterion to apply to such a development will be to judge any Palestinian Government by its programme and its actions, rather than solely on its composition or the rhetoric of the different elements.

The third key factor, which we cannot yet judge, is the influence and engagement of President Obama and his team. It is very positive he has made it clear the US wants to have a different arrangement with the Middle East. There can be no doubt that many in the Middle East are hopeful he will bring new thinking and new commitment to the US Government's role in supporting the peace effort. It is good he has made clear his intention to pursue peace actively and aggressively. Of course, we need to recall that the new President has many other priorities, even in the region, and to remember that at the end of the day it is the two parties who must make peace on the ground. However, the EU is strongly emphasising to the new US Administration the opportunity for peace that now exists, and that US support will be vital in achieving this.

We in Ireland, and many others, have been greatly heartened by the inspired appointment of Senator George Mitchell as the President's Middle East envoy. We know the value of Senator Mitchell's work and we know the extraordinary skill, patience, ingenuity and integrity he brings to the task.

It is also vital, as the Government has consistently argued, that the EU remains fully and actively engaged in supporting the peace process, both directly and through our membership of the quartet. This can take many forms — humanitarian and economic support to the Palestinian people, to help combat the appeal of those who argue that the political process offers them nothing; capacity building in the Palestinian Administration, so that it becomes able to assume the burdens of a state; political support and encouragement to both sides; and direct assistance and engagement, such as assistance in the re-opening of the border crossings in Gaza, which is vital. This is where Europe can play a real role.

The Government is also engaged and active on Ireland's behalf. Senators will be aware that the Minister for Foreign Affairs visited the Middle East from 1 to 5 February, travelling to Syria, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. The Minister, Deputy Martin's, talks in Damascus and Beirut were in many ways a continuation of his visit to Egypt, Israel and the Occupied Territories in July 2008. In discussions with President Assad, Prime Minister Siniora and others, he heard their assessments of the prospects and obstacles to peace. The Minister will report on his visit to his EU colleagues at next week's General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Finally, to return to my starting point, the Minister will also attend on behalf of the Government the forthcoming reconstruction conference on Gaza which the Egyptian Government will host on 2 March. The conference is intended to provide clear political support to the Palestinian people in the aftermath of this war as well as addressing the daunting reconstruction needs in Gaza. Ireland provided €500,000 in humanitarian assistance to help the people of Gaza last month and a further contribution of humanitarian assistance is planned. The conference is also likely to be of value in identifying specific reconstruction needs and Ireland may be able to assist with this in the coming months.

Many foreign ministers, including most EU partners, are due to attend the conference, along with the UN Secretary General. This will also, therefore, provide an opportunity for discussion of the wider issues in the peace process and the region.

The problems involved in the Middle East peace process are complex and interlocking, as we all understand. There are many issues, some difficult, some intractable. The reality is we must continue to press ahead because the alternative to talk is war, and war is the least acceptable of all of the alternatives. I thank the House for its attention.