Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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588. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 369 of 26 April 2016, what the international community can do; the actions he is taking to support such actions happening; and the unilateral steps Ireland will take itself to do more with regard to Israel and Palestine. [9925/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the Middle East, as in many areas of foreign policy, Ireland acts principally through the European Union, as the best means of exerting influence on the issue.

In my previous reply referred to, I outlined a number of recent actions of the EU in relation to settlements. Some of these had a noticeable political impact in Israel, but I have continued to argue at EU level that this has nonetheless clearly been insufficient to change Israeli policy on settlements, and that therefore the international community, including but not only the EU, needs to do more.

Discussion at EU level on what further actions might be taken is a virtually continuous exercise, at official or Ministerial level, in Brussels, in capitals and in EU Missions in the region. It would clearly be counterproductive to speculate publicly on what such actions might be, and would reduce the chances of achieving agreement on them.

It is no secret, however, that these discussions are difficult. Some partners are resistant to stronger actions, partly because of the many other crises in the region at this time including the horrific conflict in Syria and the threat posed by Da’esh.

Nationally, Ireland will continue to voice our own strong criticisms of the continuing occupation of Palestinian land and in particular of many of the policies on the ground which implement this. We do so in appropriate international fora and directly with the parties, and both publicly and privately. We endeavour to encourage more courageous leadership on the issue. We support both Israeli and Palestinian groups who are active on human rights issues, and we provide substantial humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.