James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he has had with Prime Minister Netanyahu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21785/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My reply to Questions Nos. 1 and 4 have set out the importance I attach to making every effort to support and encourage the Middle East Peace Process.

I have not yet had any contact with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who in his short period since taking office has been constructing a budget and carrying out a comprehensive review of policy on the peace process. However, we remain, of course, in close and regular contact with the Israeli authorities through regular diplomatic channels.

Some of the statements and policies ascribed to Mr. Netanyahu and his new coalition partners are matters of concern. However, his Government has yet to set out its intentions following its internal review and his recent meeting with President Obama, and he has professed his commitment to making peace with Israel's Palestinian neighbours. I hope that he will be able to provide the courageous and imaginative leadership which Israel needs at this time.