Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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547. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned regarding the recent comments made by the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding a Palestinian State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12772/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 154 on 25 March 2015, which was as follows:

"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, have 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."

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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548. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if growing tensions between Israel and the United States of America, over relations with Iran, were discussed at the most recent European Union Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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No, this issue has not been discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council.

As I have stated in reply to other Questions, the outline agreement on the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme represents a significant and very positive achievement, for which I congratulate EU High Representative Mogherini and the Foreign Ministers of all seven countries involved.