Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 101: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, during his upcoming trip to Palestine and Israel, he will be accompanied by an Israeli security detail at any point in his journey in the occupied West Bank or East Jerusalem; and if he will have regard to the fact that international law considers these areas, along with Gaza, to be occupied Palestinian territories, and that to travel through any of the areas with an Israeli security detail would send entirely the wrong message to the Palestinians, the Israeli Government and the international community. [5530/12]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 102: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, on behalf of the Irish people he will be representing, if he will make clear his opposition to, and the illegal nature of, Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. [5531/12]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 103: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 13 December 2011, if he will clarify his statement by developing Ireland's bilateral relationships in the region; and if he is referring to increased trade between Ireland and Israel or any other form of economic co-operation between the two states. [5532/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 102 and 103, inclusive, together.

As I stated in my earlier reply to which the Deputy refers, the primary purpose of my recent visit to the Middle East was to meet the parties in relation to the Middle East Peace Process, to hear from them the prospects and obstacles as they see them, and to encourage them to commit seriously to this effort. I also wished to look for myself at some of the issues on the ground.

My expressed intention to develop Ireland's bilateral relations in the region referred to the normal range of contacts between states and peoples, which we seek to promote. This would include, as it would in any country which I visit, the possibilities for increasing Irish trade there – in this case with Israel. I have made very clear that it is not my view that our strong criticisms of Israeli policies in relation to the Occupation must constitute the totality of our relations; indeed I believe that to do so would only weaken the weight carried by our views, both in Israel, which we seek to persuade, and among our European partners. No Irish Government has supported suggestions that we should boycott trade or other relations with Israel, or contacts with Israeli people.

I have already on previous occasions made very clear my strong views not only on the illegality of settlements, but on the obstacle they increasingly pose to the achievement of a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, which should be the priority of all sides concerned. This was of course an important element in the views I conveyed in my discussions with Israeli leaders during my visit, although my principal focus was on the overall issue of promoting substantive peace talks and a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians which will help bring the Occupation to an end.

I am of course aware of the position of international law on the status of the Occupied Territories. My visit, in keeping with our normal practice, was arranged in accordance with this. I can confirm that no Israeli security escort accompanied myself or the accompanying delegation during my visit to the Occupied Territories.