Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which ongoing efforts remain to encourage re-engagement in the peace process in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Following the end of the recent round of direct negotiations in April 2014, the EU, UN and others, including the US administration, have made clear their continued support for a renewal of dialogue and negotiation, which is the only way to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. However, there is no move under way at the moment to try to achieve such a resumption, nor is such a move expected without a strong indication that the parties, and in particular the Government of Israel, are ready to negotiate seriously. The Deputy will be aware that a General Election has been called in Israel and will take place on 17 March

The basis for talks remains the same: to reach an agreement incorporating a two state solution based on the 1967 borders, with appropriate agreed adjustments if necessary. While some analysts now question if such a solution is still possible, no workable alternative has been put forward which would reasonably satisfy the needs and aspirations of both peoples.

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 these have not so far been successful.

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. I welcome High Representative Mogherini’s indications that she intends to enhance EU engagement in the MEPP.

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.