Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The issue of the destruction by Israel of structures in Area C of the West Bank, which have been funded by the EU or its Member States, is a matter that is currently under discussion at EU level. It has been raised at the Foreign Affairs Council, and Ireland has taken an active role in extended consideration at official level. Ireland has argued for a stronger response to demolitions and confiscations and, in my view, the EU should request compensation in such instances. However, not all EU partners are of the same mind. Agreement on this point has not been reached, but I will continue to advocate for compensation.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

50. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position of the Government on the formal recognition of the state of Palestine in view of the recent statement by the President of the USA in support of a one-state solution and in view of 138 UN member states affirming Palestinian statehood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8817/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I would refer the Deputy also to my replies to Questions 29 and 33 earlier today on this subject.

I am keeping under continuous review the question of whether and when an immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine might be helpful, bearing in mind the positive and negative arguments which I have previously outlined, and developments both on the ground and in the wider international politics of the issue. The views of this House are also an important consideration.

President Trump’s recent remarks on the two state solution have indeed given rise to widespread concerns, but he did not in fact support a one state solution.

The policies of the United States, or of those states which have already recognised Palestine, are of interest in relation to this question. But Ireland’s policy will be decided on our own assessment of the balance of the factors involved.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

54. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any contact with the US President, Mr. Trump, and-or the Trump Administration with regard to his support for the proposed move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8768/17]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

62. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with his Palestinian and Israeli counterparts on US President, Mr. Trump's, plans to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; his views on any such move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8761/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 62 together.

While President Trump has made clear his preference for moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem, his Administration has stated that it is studying the issue before making any announcement. Previous US Presidents have expressed similar wishes but, on entering office, have realised that there are very good reasons why every other Administration and President have maintained their Embassy for the moment in Tel Aviv. Ultimately this is a decision for the US, but I hope there will be no change in the previous policy.

I have not discussed the issue with the US Administration or with the parties on the ground.

Ireland and our EU partners remain fully committed to a two state solution which will see Jerusalem accepted by all as the capital of two states. Until then, our own Embassy will not be moving.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

55. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the bill passed by the Israeli Knesset that retroactively legalises thousands of illegal colonial settler homes built on privately owned Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and that such a move has been described by the Palestinian Government as legalised theft and an attempt to destroy the two state solution; and if he will raise his objections to this bill with his Israeli counterparts. [8684/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 7 February I issued a public statement on the passage of this legislation, which was as follows:

"I am deeply disappointed by the decision of Israeli legislators to pass the so-called Legalisation Bill on settlements in the West Bank.

This represents a further serious setback for the Middle East Peace Process. It has been widely criticised both internationally and by many in Israel.

It is a deepening of the settlements and a flagrant violation of international law.

I am calling on the Israeli government to recognise the damaging consequences of this course of action and to take a clear decision not to implement the new law.

Once again, I am calling for an end to all settlement construction.

Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two state solution which protects the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples."

Ireland also contributed to the drafting of a strong EU statement on the matter issued by the High Representative.

Our strong views on this legislation have been conveyed to the Israeli authorities both before and since its passage by the Knesset. I expect it to remain a significant issue in any dialogue with Israel, both nationally and at EU level.