Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there have been any developments regarding Israeli attempts to lobby the EU to unfreeze proposals dating back to 2008 for increased diplomatic co-operation and Israeli integration with the single market [36132/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government looks forward to the further development of the EU's relations with Israel, as with all our Mediterranean partners. I have, however, made very clear, both in the Dáil and at EU level, my firm view that it is not appropriate to proceed with the proposed "upgrade" of EU-Israel relations at this time. The proposed upgrade has been suspended. Substantial progress in the negotiations, which have recently begun, could help to create a context in which this matter could be re-assessed. A significant relaxing of the blockade on Gaza would also make a positive contribution.