Middle East Peace Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2012

Wednesday, 14 November 2012

Questions (64, 65)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will indicate the extent to which he continues at EU and UN level to focus attention on the ongoing situation in the Middle East with particular reference to addressing the complaints on all sides in their respective areas of concern, whether a particular permanent structure exists whereby ongoing grievances can be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50465/12]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which attention continues to be focused at international level in the matter of achieving progress on the Palestinian-Israeli issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50466/12]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.

With regard to the prospects for on Palestinian-Israeli issues, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 7 (50191/12) earlier today.

In relation to the question of a permanent structure, I would refer him to my reply to him in response to Question 70 (45233/12) on 17 October, which included the following: “I do not think there is any lack of a forum for the parties to express their grievances, rather the opposite. I know the idea of a secretariat has been suggested occasionally in the Oireachtas, but I have to say that in my meetings with the parties both in the region and elsewhere, no-one has ever suggested this to me. There are already permanent representatives and staffs operating in the field on behalf of the EU, the US, the UN and the Quartet. The problem is not one of a lack of structures, but a lack of political will to use them.”