I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 357 together.
On 25 January I issued a public statement concerning these developments. The full text as issued by my office was as follows:
Ireland condemns the recent announcements by Israeli authorities of further settlement construction.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, has condemned recent announcements by Israeli authorities of further settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian Territories.
Minister Flanagan said:
"Ireland's views on Israeli settlements couldn’t be clearer. Indeed, the views of the international community on settlements couldn’t be clearer – they are comprehensively set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and in the declaration of the Paris Conference which I participated earlier this month. These settlements are illegal, they actively undermine the prospects for a sustainable negotiated two-state solution, and the relentless expansion of settlements inherently involves injustice and provocation for Palestinians.
"These most recent announcements, proposing more than 3,000 units, are deeply disappointing. Such actions serve only to undermine Israel’s reputation and the credibility of its government’s declarations of support for a negotiated, peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"In particular, the intention to proceed with new settlements in East Jerusalem only serves to call further into question the commitment of the Israeli government to engage in meaningful negotiations aimed at achieving a two-State solution.
"Ireland remains steadfast in its support for a comprehensive two state solution which protects the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. I call for an end to all settlement construction, and the reversal of these announcements."
