Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made regarding the Middle East peace process; the progress in meeting the needs of the Palestinians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The conflict in Lebanon during the summer and the continuing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories serve to emphasise that there can be no military or unilateral solution to the interlinked problems of the Middle East. It is the strong view of the Government, together with our partners in the European Union, that an underlying cause of the terrible violence of recent months is the absence of a credible process for a comprehensive settlement. The EU has made it very clear that lasting peace and security in the region can only be ensured by a comprehensive settlement with a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli – Palestinian conflict at its core.

The Government has consistently been active directly with the parties, within the EU and at the UN in the promotion of a just, lasting and peaceful settlement. I stated in my address to the UN General Assembly in New York on 26 September that it is now time for a major new international effort to launch serious negotiations for a settlement based on the essential elements of the Quartet Roadmap, leading to the establishment of two sovereign, viable and democratic States, Israel and Palestine, living together in peace and security.

Both parties must meet their obligations under the Roadmap and under international law. We strongly support the continuing efforts of President Mahmoud Abbas to negotiate the formation of a Palestinian national unity Government which is committed to the peace process and reflects the principles outlined by the EU and the Quartet. The negotiations have proved very difficult, and they have been undermined in recent weeks by outbreaks of serious violence between different Palestinian armed groups. If they prove successful, I believe it will be important that the EU and the international community are generous and creative in their political response.

The immediate priority must be to end the security and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This requires an end to violence from all sources, the release of the captured Israeli soldier and of detained Palestinian legislators, and the re-opening of border crossings for people and for goods.

The EU remains seriously concerned at the effects of the crisis on the lives of the people of the West Bank and Gaza. So far this year, Community aid, administered by the Commission, has amounted to €330 million, which is already a significant increase on the annual total for recent years. Assistance from individual Member States has also increased. Ireland's bilateral assistance to the Palestinian people is likely to total some €5.4 million for 2006, an increase of approximately 25% over last year.

The EU has taken the lead in the establishment of the Temporary International Mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people. The Mechanism has ensured the delivery of essential assistance for the health sector, the provision of fuel and the payment of allowances for low income families. Its operation has been extended until December 2006, and its remit will be expanded in order to benefit additional Palestinian families. The EU is also continuing to impress on Israel the urgency of resuming the transfers of taxes and customs duties which it has been withholding since April, which represent the main element in the financial crisis facing the Palestinian Authority.