Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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387. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the progress being made to find a lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East; the actions he has taken to contribute to that lasting peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44821/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Considerable efforts have been made in recent years, most notably the work of US Secretary of State Kerry, to work towards a lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East. But in current circumstances, with no negotiations taking place between the parties and a deteriorating situation on the ground, and in the aftermath of the disastrous conflict in Gaza earlier this year, no-one could consider that satisfactory progress is being made.

It is only reasonable to acknowledge that a number of serious crises in the wider Middle East and elsewhere have also made great demands on the attention and resources of the international community in recent years.

But it remains our view that the EU and the wider international community need to work and press harder for the achievement of a solution to the long running Israeli-Arab dispute.

Ireland has worked and will continue to work, at EU and UN level and in our bilateral relations, to encourage that necessary focus. Above all, however, a solution to the conflict needs leadership of vision and courage from the leaders of the parties directly concerned, leadership which has in some quarters been sadly lacking.