Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with EU action regarding the implementation of measures to stop illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50190/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I have stated previously in the House that I believe that Israel’s policy of relentless settlement expansion is now the major obstacle to achieving peace in the Middle East. It is, accordingly, inimical to the real interests of Israelis and Palestinians alike. Many injustices and humiliations, furthermore, are visited upon Palestinians as a consequence of this policy. I am satisfied, however, that the EU is taking important steps both to achieve a halt to the settlement expansion and to tackle the range of settlement-related issues which have become sources of conflict in their own right. In the Conclusions of the May 2012 Foreign Affairs Council, which Ireland played an active role in achieving, the Council focussed attention specifically on these issues on the ground, which include expropriations, demolitions, movement restrictions, settler violence, water and planning issues and economic development. The Council underlined the damage caused by these issues and called urgently for changes of Israeli policy in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

I will be seeking a further Council discussion in the near future to follow up on these Conclusions and to examine in particular whether there has been any improvement in Israeli policies relating to these issues. If there has not been, and I have to say I am unaware of any such improvement, I hope that the Council will consider adopting stronger measures.