Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on contacts in the Middle East in respect of the ongoing quest for peace; the recent contacts in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33221/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is a long-standing and active proponent of a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the central element of a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East. The Government has argued consistently within the EU and internationally that the restoration of a credible peace process is an urgent necessity if further conflict in the region is to be avoided. I have therefore warmly welcomed the agreement reached between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas in Annapolis last month to launch final status negotiations with the objective of concluding a peace treaty before the end of 2008. I believe that, with political will on all sides, there is a genuine opportunity for the realisation of a two-State solution, and for movement towards a regional settlement. This opportunity must not be lost.

At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council which I attended in Brussels yesterday, we agreed that the EU will work directly with the parties and through the international Quartet to support the negotiating process. It is in the interests of all parties that it results in the establishment of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State, which unites the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza, living in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours. The EU will also work closely with the Arab States in the promotion of a comprehensive settlement in the region, building on the historic Arab Peace Initiative, which was reaffirmed at the Arab Summit in Riyadh earlier this year.

The Donors' Conference, which will take place in Paris on 17 December, will be an important opportunity for the international community to underline in practical terms its commitment to the building of the institutions of a future Palestinian State. The EU will play a central role, as the strongest supporter internationally of the Palestinian people. The overall level of assistance from the Union and its Member States has risen significantly in recent years, and will amount to over €800 million this year. Ireland's bilateral assistance has also increased, from €4.5 million in 2005 to well over €7 million in 2007. At the Paris Conference, we will announce a significant multi-annual pledge of further assistance for Palestine, in line with our record in providing assistance to the Palestinian people and the strength of our commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian State.