Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
836. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised concerns with the Israeli ambassador in relation to the proposed further expansion of settlements by the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42230/14]
View answer837. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council the totally unacceptable expansion of settlements by the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42231/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 836 and 837 together.
I have consistently highlighted the Government’s concern at the continued expansion of Israeli settlements, which are actively undermining the prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement to end the conflict.
In public statements on 1 September and again on 28 October I explicitly condemned Israeli government announcements of further settlement expansion, and called for these decisions to be reversed. These concerns are regularly conveyed to the Israeli authorities, both through the Ambassador of Israel here and through our own mission in Israel. They are well aware of our views.
Ireland has consistently pressed the European Union to focus on settlements as a key element to be addressed if a Middle East peace agreement is to be achieved. I will continue to highlight this issue in the discussion on the Middle East Peace Process scheduled for the next Foreign Affairs Council on 17 November.
