Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
54. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if during Ireland's Presidency of the EU particular attention will be given to the ongoing violence in Syria, Israel and Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52231/12]
View answerIreland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which started earlier this month, will be informed by the values and priorities of Irish foreign policy. Contributing to the search for a lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict and of the Syrian crisis are major priorities for me at present and will remain so over the coming months. Supporting the work which the EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy is doing on these issues, we will do everything possible to bring about an end to violence and repression and to violations of human rights and the rule of law in the region. We will make a strong national contribution to efforts to promote the “two-State solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to bring into being a new, democratic Syria. Deputies will, of course, be aware that, under the Lisbon Treaty, issues such as these which form part of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy have been placed under the coordination and direction of the High Representative and the External Action Service. There is no longer any direct role to be played by the rotating Presidency. We will, however, use the influence which Ireland has on these issues to support and promote the EU’s vital efforts, working closely with our Council colleagues and with the relevant official structures.
