Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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9. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government has plans to join the Hague Group. [53225/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Both I and my officials interact with a wide variety of international partners on the Middle East which remains a major priority for this Government.

Ireland’s engagement is guided by our longstanding and principled position, notably respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and unwavering support for the two-State solution.

While Ireland is not a member of the group referred to by the Deputy, this Government is committed to working with partners around the world in service of these objectives. Ireland attended an Emergency Conference on Palestine convened by the Hague Group in Bogotá on 15-16 July in an observer capacity at official level.

Ireland is using its voice at the UN, at the EU and at other international bodies to pursue a sustainable, long-lasting peace for Israel and Palestine. The cycle of violence must be broken, and a political horizon must be in clear sight.

Ireland maintains our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution, where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.