Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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30. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent deaths of Palestinian civilians and Israeli soldiers in the West Bank in recent weeks; the knock on affect this could have on peace talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41157/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I have noted with deep regret the continuing toll of casualties in the Occupied Territory, including the deaths of Palestinian civilians and Israeli soldiers in recent weeks. I share the Deputy’s concern that there is always a risk that incidents on the ground can derail peace talks, either by sparking further violence or simply making it politically impossible for leaders to continue. Indeed, in both Israeli and Palestinian communities, some people have responded to these deaths by calling for an end to talks with the other side. And behind this perhaps spontaneous and emotional response, there are also, as the Deputy knows all too well from our own experience, some people on both sides who actively want the peace process to fail. It is the role of political leaders to dedicate their efforts to ending the occupation and winning a secure and peaceful future for their peoples. And it is essential that they do not allow themselves to be deflected by incidents whether accidental or malicious, and that they avoid any provocative actions on their own side.