Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding developments in the Middle East, particularly the future of the Palestinian people. [16701/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government, bilaterally and within the framework of the EU and UN, is continuing its efforts to encourage progress in the Middle East peace process, leading to two states, Israel and Palestine, living at peace within secure and recognised borders. We are ready, in concert with our EU partners, to assist the parties to the conflict in their efforts to move forward on the basis of the roadmap. Ireland, through its membership of the European Union, and its relations with Palestine, Israel, the United States, Arab and other key partners will strongly support early action, led by the quartet, to advance the implementation of the roadmap.

At its meeting on 25 April, the General Affairs and External Relations Council called on both sides to renew their efforts to implement the commitments made at the Sharm el Sheikh summit. It expressed its concern on issues of increased settlement-building and the continued construction of the separation barrier, and reiterated that no party should take measures which might prejudice the outcome of negotiations on a final settlement. The Council welcomed recent statements by the US, concerning a freeze on settlement activity. The Council recalled its support for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank, and stressed the importance of accelerating reforms within the Palestinian Authority, while welcoming recent measures to reorganise the Palestinian security services. The appointment of James Wolfensohn as the quartet's envoy for disengagement was welcomed, and the Council expressed its support for his mission.