Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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628. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the new initiatives the European Union will take in relation to the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6850/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have made clear 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 European Union 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.