Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government policy with respect to the Middle East conflict in Israel and Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29343/07]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position in relation to the road map for peace in Palestine and Israel; the progress made recently in regard to the peace process in this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30884/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 99 together.

Ireland is a long-standing and active proponent of the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. The Government has argued strongly within the EU and internationally that a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East is more urgently needed now than at any time in the past sixty years. It must be based on a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

There is now an opportunity to make progress by restoring credibility to the peace process. Political leaders from across the region are today in Annapolis for the important international meeting hosted by the US Administration. The EU has strongly supported the preparations for this meeting, and the courageous political dialogue between the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the Palestinian Authority. It is important that these discussions result in meaningful and urgent final status negotiations. These will have to address the most sensitive issues in the conflict: borders, settlements, refugees, security, water and the status of Jerusalem. The launching of such a process will provide a new opportunity for a just and lasting regional settlement, building on the historic Arab Peace Initiative, which was reaffirmed at the Arab Summit in Riyadh earlier this year.

I believe that, to be credible, a renewed political process must not only address the core issues of the conflict, it must be bolstered by action to improve the daily lives of the people most affected. The parties must implement their obligations under the Quartet Roadmap. This must involve an end to all violence in and from the Occupied Territories, a genuine freeze on the building of settlements and the lifting of checkpoints. Prisoner releases will also make a vital contribution to the reduction of tensions. The Government also believes that there must be an end to policies aimed at isolating the people of Gaza, and has called for the re-opening of crossing points for people and for goods.

The EU will have a crucial role to play in the coming period, working directly with the parties and as an active member of the international Quartet. The EU has for long been the strongest supporter of the Palestinian people. Total EU assistance this year will amount to over €800 million. Ireland's bilateral assistance will increase to over €7 million. We will work for the success of the major international donors' conference for Palestine which is scheduled to take place in Paris on 17 December. The aim will be to provide the necessary political and humanitarian support for the building of democratic institutions and a viable economy for the future Palestinian State.