Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is worth noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the former Minister, Brian Lenihan Snr., being the first foreign minister of a western state to recognise the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Ireland has a really strong record on this, including among Members of the Oireachtas, who constantly raise the issues faced by the Palestinian people.We express our deep concern at recent demolition and confiscation of properties, including in Hebron. Our clear position on the settlements and our concern at the recent announcement by Israeli authorities for nearly 5,000 additional housing units bears restating. Settlements are illegal and in contravention of international law. Our position is underpinned by a long series of UN Security Council Resolutions. Ireland has been forthright on these matters, publicly and privately, and indeed over many years. That sentiment is shared right across the Houses of the Oireachtas. Ireland's long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, annunciated 40 years ago this year by former Minister for Foreign Affairs, the late Brian Lenihan Snr., remains an integral aspect of our foreign policy. We remain steadfast in our support for a comprehensive two-state solution, which protects the future of the Palestinian and Israeli people.

Ireland is a strong and consistent voice on these issues in EU discussions. We will continue to prioritise the Middle East peace process, particularly when we take up our seat on the UN Security Council, and we will do whatever we can in that role to advance efforts towards and just and lasting peace. We will continue to support all credible efforts to resume negotiations and to advance the Middle East peace process.