Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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153. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to initiate discussions at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the need for the European Union to take an initiative to progress the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12306/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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High Representative Mogherini has expressed her intention of beginning a broad re-examination of EU policy on the Middle East, to see how best we can try and break the stasis in the political process, an intention I have strongly agreed with and supported.

Any new initiative which might emerge from that reflection, currently expected to begin at the April Council, is likely to take some time. Other events can of course also influence the Council's timetable, and there may in addition be a desire to get a sense of the new Israeli Government, which has yet to be formed.

I look forward to an early discussion with other EU Foreign Ministers.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent comments by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, in relation to a two state solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12307/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The comments of Prime Minister Netanyahu before the recent election, in relation to the two state solution, were both disappointing and unwelcome. Such statements are particularly regrettable in the tense and inflammatory situation in the Middle East. We know from our own peace process how words of supposed comfort to one side can have disproportionately negative impacts on the other side.

I note that Mr. Netanyahu subsequently stated that his remarks meant only that conditions at present are not conducive to the achievement of a two state solution.

For its part, the international community has quickly reaffirmed its conviction that the two state solution remains the only viable basis for a resolution of the conflict. High Representative Mogherini, on behalf of the EU, President Obama and others, has made that point directly to Mr. Netanyahu in the course of conversations following the election.

What is most important is how the new government in Israel, which we expect Mr. Netanyahu to form, actually acts and what is set out in its Programme for Government.

The Irish Government remains firmly committed to a negotiated two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All of our actions and policies at EU and international level are designed to advance the goal of peace and secure a comprehensive peace agreement at the earliest opportunity.