Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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743. 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. [28951/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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749. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to encourage efforts to restore the peace process in the Middle East; if due cognisance is taken of the consequences in the event of a prolonged period of stalemate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 749 together.

Following the breakdown of direct negotiations early last year, there has been no real expectation of an early resumption of talks, and the political process in the Middle East has effectively been at a standstill. The long Israeli election campaign was one factor in this hiatus, but the formation of a new Government in May has not imparted any new momentum.

It is only fair to recognize that the EU, and other international players, has been deeply engaged also in a succession of other crises in the Middle East and elsewhere. Nonetheless, I have argued consistently at EU level that we cannot leave the MEPP to one side: the situation is highly unstable and continuing to deteriorate on the ground, such that the very feasibility of the two state solution we have so long worked for is now in doubt. The destructive war in Gaza last summer illustrated clearly that a political vacuum will be filled by other, more dangerous forces.

I believe therefore that the international community needs again to press the parties to come together in a genuine process to end the conflict. To that end, starting at EU level, I have urged the EU to re-examine its policies on the MEPP and seek to make them more effective. That discussion began at the Foreign Affairs Council in May, but it needs to continue.