Middle East Peace Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Questions (25)

Seán Crowe

Question:

25. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in view of the concern over the possible likelihood of an armed conflict between Israel and Iran, he shares the concerns of many of those who want to see a peaceful resolution to conflict in the Middle East, that the increased militarisation of the region is increasing the likelihood of this conflict; his views on whether the export of Dolphin Class military submarines by Germany to Israel possibly breaches Criterion Four of the EU rules governing the exports of military technology and equipment. [1657/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government, along with its EU and other international partners, strongly supports the achievement through diplomatic negotiations of a solution to the major concerns which exist in relation to Iran's nuclear programme. It is deeply regrettable that, despite nine years of diplomatic efforts, Iran has so far been unwilling to engage with the necessary seriousness and commitment in negotiations on the issue. I hope very much that this will change and that Iran will work urgently with others to bring about the diplomatic solution to this crisis which is long overdue.

The Israeli Government has indicated publicly that it may feel obliged to take military action against the Iranian nuclear programme. It has said that it is prepared to allow time for diplomatic efforts to succeed but that time is not unlimited. I encourage Israel to recognize that a viable solution to this problem can only be achieved through diplomatic negotiations and that resorting to force would pose huge and incalculable risks for the entire region.

I have dealt with the issue of the supply by Germany of submarines to Israel in my reply to Question 9 (ref 44808/12) on 17 October last.