Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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612. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a peace process for a full resolution of the ongoing crisis involving the state of Israel and the adjoining state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5739/16]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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616. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on and the steps he has taken to address the rapidly deteriorating political situation in Israel and Palestine and the continuing human rights violations imposed on the Palestinian people. [6022/16]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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617. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of discussions the Council of Foreign Ministers has held regarding the state of relations between the state of Palestine and Israel; and the plans the European Union has to intervene. [6024/16]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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621. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on and the steps he has taken to address the rapidly deteriorating political situation in Israel and Palestine and the continuing human rights violations imposed on the Palestinian people. [6102/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 612, 616, 617 and 621 together.

I have made clear in this House my view that the peace process in the Middle East is currently at a standstill, and that the international community needs to do more to attempt to break this deadlock. The violent events in recent months have clearly demonstrated the risks of the continued political vacuum. I note with concern the statement of 24 March to the Security Council by the UN Special Coordinator that “the two state solution is slipping from our fingers”.

The March Foreign Affairs Council discussed the latest developments and High Representative Mogherini updated Ministers on plans by the Middle East Quartet to prepare a report with recommendations for de-escalating the violence and promoting a two-state solution. France also updated the Council on its plans to convene an international conference of key stakeholders in Paris by summer 2016, with the aim of re-launching the peace process.

Ireland has consistently given a high priority to the achievement of a “two state solution”. The Middle East Peace Process remains a key national foreign policy priority. Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports all efforts to restart comprehensive negotiations for an overall peace agreement.