Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent contact with the Palestinian or Israeli Governments with regard to the renewed attempts to achieve a Middle-East peace settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18615/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is in regular and ongoing contact with the Palestinian and Israeli Governments through diplomatic channels. In addition, during the seventh Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting in Luxembourg on 30-31 May, I had the opportunity to discuss the situation in the region with the foreign ministers of Israel and Palestine. I hope to travel to the region later this year to meet the Israeli and Palestinian authorities and to encourage further movement in advancing the peace process. At present, it is clear that neither side has done enough to fulfil its commitments under the roadmap, and that progress towards a peaceful settlement has not been as rapid as would have been hoped. Ireland, the EU and the international quartet will continue to press both sides to implement the roadmap fully.