Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he proposes to take in order to ensure implementation of the International Court of Justice decision in relation to the illegal wall built in part on Palestinian territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26845/05]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the question of the security wall with his Israeli counterparts and also the question of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank; the Irish position on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27060/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 109 together.

The advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on 9 July 2004 on the construction of the wall on occupied Palestinian territory is not binding, but it represents a clear and authoritative statement of the position in international law. The Government believes that it must be respected. The Government, and its partners in the EU, have reaffirmed this position on many occasions. Ireland supported UN General Assembly Resolution ES/10/15 which was adopted by an overwhelming majority in response to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion.

The EU has consistently affirmed its position regarding the legality of Israel's actions in constructing the separation barrier, and in particular with regard to its route. We recognise absolutely Israel's right to provide for the security of its citizens, but the construction of the separation barrier on occupied territory represents an obstacle to the implementation of the quartet roadmap and therefore to the prospects for a peaceful and lasting settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I am also very concerned at its humanitarian and economic consequences, and the infringements of recognised principles of human rights for the Palestinian population.

On the issue of settlements, the Government has consistently taken the view that the transfer by an occupying power of its own population into occupied territory constitutes a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The establishment of settlements by the Israeli authorities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is contrary to international law. The Government has conveyed its concerns on these issues directly to the Israeli Government on many occasions. I raised them when I met Foreign Minister Shalom inJerusalem on 12 July.

At its most recent meeting at ministerial level, the international quartet noted with concern the route of the Israeli separation barrier, particularly as it results in the confiscation of Palestinian land, cuts off the movement of people and goods, and undermines Palestinians' trust in the roadmap process as it appears to prejudge the final borders of a Palestinian state.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council, which I attended in Luxembourg on 3 October, reiterated the grave concern of the EU at the ongoing expansion of settlements and the continuing construction of the separation barrier in occupied Palestinian territory. The Council reiterated the clear position that these activities form an obstacle to peace and threaten to make any solution based on the co-existence of two states physically impossible. It called on Israel to stop settlement expansion and to remove unauthorised outposts.