Vol. 742 No. 2
46 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the recently published Africa strategy, initiated by the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, will be debated in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27240/11]
89 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the recently published Africa strategy, initiated by the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin will be debated in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 89 together.
On 13 September, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade launched a new Africa strategy for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The strategy is titled Ireland and Africa; Our Partnership with a Changing Continent. It was launched at the first ever Africa — Ireland economic forum, which was organised by the Department in partnership with the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and the African ambassadors accredited to Ireland. I was very pleased to open the event, which was attended by a large number of Irish business representatives, diplomats, NGOs and academics.
The elaboration of the strategy involved a series of consultations within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with other Departments and agencies, and with private sector and civil society representatives. Its objective is to ensure a more co-ordinated and coherent approach to our relations with Africa — political, development, economic and trade promotion — at the bilateral level and in the context of our membership of the European Union, the United Nations and other international bodies. There is a particular focus on enhancing the capacity of Ireland's embassy network in Africa to support the work of State agencies, including Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia.
The strategy builds on the relationships established over many years by Ireland's development assistance programme, which is recognised internationally for its strong focus on the fight against poverty and hunger and for its concentration on the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa. This will be maintained. However, the strategy seeks to respond comprehensively to the realities of a changing continent in which economic growth is beginning to open up new opportunities for economic development.
I presented the strategy at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on 28 September. There are no specific plans for a debate in the House at this stage. However, I look forward to continuing to consult closely with the joint committee as the Department moves ahead with implementation of the Africa strategy.
I will not detain the House unduly on what is a housekeeping matter. While an interesting and worthwhile debate was held in the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, it would be useful to discuss these important matters on the floor of the House, not least given the challenges the Tánaiste and Minister of State will face in protecting and maintaining the current, necessary level of overseas development aid.
On our role in Europe, has the Minister of State discussed with her counterparts in the European Union how we can collectively move to protect the level of overseas development aid in these difficult times? Has she found a means of challenging wealthier but much less generous member states to increase their contribution to development aid in order that it is on a par with the contribution of citizens of this State who are highly committed to this issue?
It was a great achievement to publish the Africa strategy initiated by the Minister's predecessor, Deputy Martin. It is very positive and a recognition of the potential Africa offers that 140 Irish companies were represented at the strategy's launch. Does the Minister of State agree that it was also positive that none other than Mr. Gay Mitchell, one of the presidential candidates, highlighted this issue today as one of his objectives in the event that he is elected President?
The Deputy's suggestion that we have a debate in the Chamber is a good one. I will speak to the Government Whip to try to arrange a time for such a discussion as the more engagement Members have on the strategy, the better.
On ensuring the development programme is supported in all other European countries, this issue was debated at one of the meetings of development ministers when one of my counterparts read out the figures on the percentage of GDP member states allocate to overseas development aid. Ireland was commended on being in the top group, having reached a figure in excess of 0.5% of GDP. The naming and shaming at the meeting did not go down well with all the ministers present. It is appropriate, however, that we constantly highlight and apply pressure on this issue, although I accept it is more difficult for some countries than others.
I concur with Deputy Ó Fearghaíl on the importance of the strategy and the attendance at the launch was very strong. Africa is experiencing growth rates of more than 5% and these are likely to increase. The continent is changing rapidly, with the number of people living in cities also increasing. While we must continue with our development programme, African countries and Ireland could benefit from the trading opportunities that are available.
47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and or his Department directly or through the Irish embassy abroad and in conjunction with the Industrial Development Agency or others have been in a position to influence the establishment of new markets for Irish produce throughout the EU or in the broader global economy; if any particular information has been obtained that might impede or negatively affect such progress; the extent to which any such issues can be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27315/11]
The promotion of Irish trade and exports is a key priority for my Department. At headquarters level and through our embassy network we work closely with the IDA, which is tasked with the attraction and development of foreign investment in Ireland. We also work with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland to assist Irish companies to access markets in a number of practical ways. Our embassies provide local commercial information and raise specific issues with foreign governments, where appropriate. Priority markets for Ireland in established and emerging economies have been identified under the trading and investing in a smart economy strategy. The Export Trade Council, which met last week for the first time under my chairmanship, will keep the list of priority markets under review as well as opportunities in new markets as they emerge. It will also oversee the programme of trade missions.
Economic and trade issues will be a key element of the global Irish economic forum meeting later this week. They are also a priority for my visits to Japan and Korea next week and to Moscow in early November when I will co-chair a meeting of the joint economic commission between Ireland and Russia. My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development will shortly lead trade missions to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa.
The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on EU committees which deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers to European produce. My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development, will shortly lead trade missions to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on EU committees which deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers to European produce.
I thank the Tánaiste for his comprehensive reply. Have any issues been identified as obstacles to the expansion of our trade and the establishment of new markets and, if so, to what extent have they been isolated with a view to our addressing them?
Yes. The new Export Trade Council brings together all Departments and State agencies involved in trade and export activity and representatives of the private sector. Last week at a meeting of the council we discussed some of the challenges facing Irish exporters and those engaged in trade. They include, for example, language education, a matter we intend to address further. Issues also raised with us involve the necessity for greater co-ordination between State agencies and our Embassy network. Our embassies and ambassadors will take the lead role in co-ordinating the work of the various agencies involved in order that there will be a co-ordinated single Irish approach to the expansion of trade and the attraction of investment to Ireland.
Is Deputy Durkan happy with that reply?
I appreciate the intent of the question. However, I will add a caveat. When we are a party to free trade agreements, we need to ensure the natural resources of a developing country are not handed over to private enterprise in exchange for its participation in our markets. In recent decades there have been bad experiences, to say the least, with these agreements. How do we protect the long-term interests of the developing countries that engage with us?
The first way of doing so is to adopt a position of respect in working with the governments of developing countries, respecting their sovereignty and wishes. We must take our lead from the governments of those countries of which we are partners as to how they wish to manage their natural resources and other matters. Human rights are also a very important dimension, of which we are very conscious in the trade engagements we have with other countries.
Has our manufacturing cost base emerged as a feature of any such promotions?
The cost base and the issue of competitiveness are very much at the heart of Government policy. As a country we must be competitive. The Deputy will acknowledge that there have been significant improvements in Ireland's competitiveness in recent times which are reflected in the improved position of our exports.
48 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will define the state of his preparation in advance of the Rio summit in 2012 and the millennium development goals review conference in 2013; and if he will clarify his goals for these two key events. [27323/11]
The millennium development goals, MDGs, were adopted by world leaders at the United Nations in 2000. They set out specific targets for reducing global poverty, hunger, disease and inequality, and provide the framework for international development up to 2015. The planned MDG special event in 2013 is part of an ongoing process of review and assessment of their implementation. It will build on the MDG review summit held last year in New York.
The millennium development goals are at the heart of Ireland's aid programme and our development policy. We have been working internationally to ensure international development policy remains focused on their achievement. Last month in New York I met the heads of the main UN agencies and reviewed progress, looking ahead to the UN events in 2013 and 2015. Ireland has played a strong role throughout the MDG process to ensure the focus has remained on the poorest and most vulnerable populations, and especially on the continuing global hunger crisis. This will continue to be our priority in the run-up to the 2015 deadline and beyond.
The United Nations conference on sustainable development will take place in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. The key objectives will be to secure a renewed political commitment to sustainable development, assess progress on the implementation of the outcomes of previous summits, and address new and emerging global challenges. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is co-ordinating Ireland's preparations for the conference and Irish Aid is engaging actively on the international development dimension. The Department has begun a stakeholder consultation process and will organise a public seminar in October. It is also preparing a revised national sustainable development strategy which is expected to be published for public consultation later this year.
The Minister of State may be aware that on Thursday morning last a cross-party group of Deputies and Senators joined Dóchas in its campaign to ensure that Ireland meets its commitment in respect of the millennium development goals to reach the target of 0.7% of GDP for official development assistance by 2015. Concerns have arisen in this regard because if one considers the figures, one can see that Ireland's contribution reached a peak of €769 million in 2008. This was almost 0.6% of GDP, which meant we were moving close to our target. In the interim, however, there has been a significant reduction — a couple of hundred million euro — in the level of our contribution to 0.52%. This represents a decline of almost 0.1% and means that we are moving in the wrong direction. What is the Department's strategy to ensure we might begin, in the context of the forthcoming budget, to move in the right direction again and seek to honour our commitment?
As the Deputy is aware, the programme for Government states that Ireland is committed to reaching the target of 0.7% of GDP. All the countries which signed up to the agreement aspire to this goal and we are working very hard to reach it. I acknowledge that there has been a reduction of approximately 30% in the level of our contribution in recent years and that the figure currently stands at 0.52% of GDP. While obviously I cannot inform the Deputy with regard to what is going to be in the budget, he will be aware of what is contained in the programme for Government. As Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development, I am fighting hard to ensure we get back on the right track. There is no doubt we will face a challenge in this regard, especially in light of our current economic circumstances. We are doing everything possible to ensure we get matters back on an even keel and proceed to increase the level of our contribution.
I am sure all Deputies would endorse the efforts of the Minister of State with regard to the battle she will be obliged to fight in the context of the forthcoming budget. I wish to make a suggestion in that regard.
It would be better if the Deputy asked a question.
The matter to which I wish to refer relates to the Irish Aid budget. Compared with its counterparts in many other European states, Irish Aid has been very effective in delivering value for money and doing great work in the countries in which it is involved. Would the Minister of State consider establishing a permanent exhibition of the work of Irish Aid and housing it at the Irish National Famine Museum in Strokestown Park House? Doing this would provide a very good tie-in between what happened in this country in the past and what we are doing to ensure the events which occurred here will not be replicated anywhere else in the world?
That is a very interesting suggestion.
I will bring the Minister of State for a cup of coffee at Strokestown Park House at some point.
An event which links our development work with the Famine is due to take place shortly. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Deenihan, is taking the lead in respect of that event, at which I will be delivering an address. There is a strong folk memory of the Famine and that is why there is such support for our programme across the political parties and among members of the public. A recent opinion poll indicated that despite the difficult circumstances, 80% of people are supportive of the amount of money we are spending on the overseas development programme. I presume we would have to engage with the people who run the Irish National Famine Museum in respect of the Deputy's suggestion, which is certainly worth considering.
As Deputy Naughten is aware, information relating to this matter is available at the Irish Aid volunteering and public information centre on O'Connell Street in Dublin. The Deputy is correct in that we must constantly engage with the public on the quality of the work we are doing. On Monday I met the representatives of the OECD carrying out the mid-term review. The compliments on Ireland's programme are very strong and we are seen as a world leader because of the effectiveness of our programme. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade met the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, at a major event focusing on world hunger which was attended by hundreds of people from all over the world. Although we are seen as a world leader in this respect, the Deputy is correct that we must ensure the public is aware of the issue.
49 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if embassies are going to be strategically located to emerging markets in 2012 in order that Irish products and exports can benefit from their presence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27245/11]
Irish embassies worldwide perform a wide range of functions in support of Ireland's national interests. Since taking office, I have directed that all embassies and consulates should redouble their efforts in promoting trade, supporting Irish business and seeking out new markets. In practical terms, this means embassies are actively promoting an awareness of Ireland and its business potential; assisting Irish companies in gaining and maintaining access for their goods and services; reporting on economic and business trends and developments; assisting in the resolution of problematic regulatory issues; maintaining a network of high level business related contacts; and providing assistance and support for other Departments, agencies and, as appropriate, individual companies. Despite the modest scale of our network and the small size of our embassies, this is something we have been successful at and will continue to prioritise.
Underpinning this approach, my Department is focused on progressively implementing, with other Departments and State agencies, the recommendations made in the strategy and action plan for Irish trade, tourism and investment to 2015. A thorough analysis, conducted last year, of the potential for Ireland in terms of markets and sectors identified a number of priority markets. These are in both established and emerging economies. There is already an embassy in each of the priority markets identified in the strategy and ambassadors at these locations chair local trade, tourism and investment teams. With the active participation of the relevant State agencies, these teams have prepared annual market development plans to support our trade objectives.
I welcome the establishment of the Export Trade Council. Specifically, will the Tánaiste indicate if within our embassies there is a strategic plan for the promotion of trade and tourism? It is all very well to have an idea that we should be out there, but unless we work to a very specific and appropriate plan, we will get nowhere. How many new diplomatic missions are envisaged or planned in the context of the need to aggressively promote ourselves in the trade sector? How many missions are without an ambassador? For example, we are without an ambassador in Australia. How long, on average, does it take to replace somebody when he or she retires or leaves a post?
It is important to state the total number of embassies is 76, with most of our missions having three diplomatic staff or fewer. Seven missions have one diplomat. In talking about a strategic plan, in most of our embassies it is to multi-task and perform a range of functions. These include consular activity, intergovernmental work and leading the trade effort.
In dealing with the trade effort the embassies lead a market team, involving agencies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland. This team, in turn, feeds into the work of the Export Trade Council which co-ordinates activity across all Government agencies. The council is chaired by me and other ministerial colleagues. Four embassies have vacancies. We are looking at the embassy network in the context of the comprehensive spending review. I intend to bring proposals to the Government shortly in respect of the ambassadorial posts to be filled.
When will the important post in Australia be filled?
It will be filled very soon. I do not want to be evasive on the matter. The post has been vacant since August. Normally the filling of an ambassadorial post takes time for a variety of reasons, including the movement of individuals from one place to another. I intend to bring proposals to the Government shortly in respect of the ambassadorial posts to be filled.
50 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on addressing the issue of undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27248/11]
96 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of dialogue taking place with all levels of the US political system and Government in support of the 50,000 undocumented Irish in America; if he will confirm that this is high on the political agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27259/11]
108 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he proposes regarding the problem of undocumented Irish citizens in the United States; the estimated numbers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27530/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 96 and 108 together.
Addressing the position of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States remain important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed these issues with President Obama when we met him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding to our concerns, the US President expressed his interest in achieving progress.
I also discussed the issue of Irish immigration with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Senator Patrick Leahy, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, when I met him in Dublin on 3 June. I met representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 23 September. The Government has provided almost $365,000 to support that organisation since 2006, including $40,000 this year. Acting on my behalf, our embassy in Washington DC continues to engage on an ongoing basis with the US Administration at various levels and with both parties in the US Congress.
The introduction of a new comprehensive immigration reform Bill in the Senate on 22 June last was a welcome development. This Bill which has been brought forward by senior Democrats, including Senators Harry Reid, Charles Schumer and Robert Menendez, is similar to that introduced in the previous Congress and, once again, includes provision for a new E-3 visa for Ireland. Senator Menendez has indicated that in circulating the Bill he aimed to provide a framework for debate and negotiations. The continued inclusion of the E-3 visa for Ireland in the Bill represents an important achievement for the Government and the Irish community.
The successful passage of E-3 visa legislation would strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. While we continue to press for such a scheme, including with Members of Congress, any efforts to pass immigration-related legislation in the current US domestic political climate would, however, face considerable challenges.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House.
I am also conscious that the E-3 visa would not provide a solution for the difficulties faced by the undocumented Irish in the United States and their families in Ireland. The nature of their status means that it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate for the number of undocumented. My Department, particularly the embassy in Washington, and I will continue to work actively on highlighting the situation of the undocumented Irish in the United States in our contacts with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates, and work towards identifying positive outcomes on their behalf.
I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for his response and especially for the work he is doing on this issue. Anybody from the west would have a significant interest in it. From the discussions, what are the prospects of the Bill brought forward by Senators Reid, Schumer and Menendez making progress in the US Senate? I know there is an upcoming election cycle in the United States which always taints the view, but is there a realistic chance that it will make progress in the current climate?
There was mention of reforming migration arrangements with the United States. Has any consideration been given to establishing a bilateral agreement with the United States under which we could deal with US citizens who are undocumented in Ireland? There would be reciprocity by dealing specifically with Irish citizens who are undocumented in the United States. The scale may be different, but the issue is equally as important for US citizens who are undocumented in this country.
I thank the Deputy for his kind remarks.
I understand and sympathise with the plight of people who find themselves undocumented in the United States and are unable to return home for funerals and for other family contacts. It is a very difficult situation. We are optimistic that the legislation will be introduced, and obviously we must work with the promoters of the legislation to ensure the E-3 provision is included. Our embassy in Washington is very much engaged with that.
On the wider issue of immigration reform in the US, there has been talk for some time about comprehensive immigration reform, but it is probably fair to point out that the prospects of such reform are remote. In the meantime, we are examining every other option. I recently had direct discussions on this with our ambassador in Washington. We discussed a range of options that must be considered and should, perhaps, be progressed, or at least explored, to see whether we can make some progress to the benefit of the undocumented and Irish people currently in the US.
Will the Tánaiste consider that type of reciprocal arrangement, which might get around the difficulties that naturally exist on Capitol Hill? What work is the Irish Embassy in the United States doing in terms of effective lobbying of the Senate to ensure this Bill makes progress in the upper house? My understanding is that there has been criticism in the past to the effect that while a great deal of work is being done at governmental level, the Irish have not been as effective as they should be at lobbying level. Given how the US system works, it is imperative this aspect is not ignored.
There is no embassy in Washington more effective at lobbying Capitol Hill and the American political system than the Irish Embassy. We have had outstanding service there over the years from our ambassadors and diplomats, including those currently serving there. They miss no opportunity to lobby on this issue and this country's other issues.
In respect of the reciprocal arrangement mentioned by the Deputy, we are examining every option, including reciprocal arrangements. When one is dealing with immigration issues in the United States, there is always a sense that what is achieved by one country in respect of immigration concessions is then sought by other countries. We must bear in mind that what one country is doing is always watched by another country. Nevertheless, we are exploring every possible opportunity. Our embassy in Washington has been hugely active on this but in addition to that work, if necessary, I will engage in some of that directly.
51 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of trade relations with Turkey; the way trade relations are progressing; his views that the potential membership of Turkey in the EU would be beneficial to Ireland in terms of trade; if he envisages any obstacles to furthering trade relations with Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27238/11]
Ireland's trade relations with Turkey are good and levels of trade are increasing. In 2010, Turkey was Ireland's 22nd largest merchandise trading partner, with the bilateral merchandise trade valued at €685 million. This represented an increase of 8% on 2009 figures. Figures for the first six months of this year show a 16% rise in merchandise trade over the same period last year. The Embassy of Ireland in Ankara plays a very active role in supporting Enterprise Ireland's work to identify opportunities for the growth of Irish companies in Turkey. EI client companies report a 61% rise in exports to Turkey from 2009 to 2010.
Turkey is a significant economic regional power with a population of 79 million people. As a candidate country, Turkey's trade with the EU is significant and growing. Its membership of the EU would potentially generate significant gains for Ireland due to the increased size of the Single Market and the trade opportunities for Irish companies which would flow from accession. Obstacles which can hinder the development of trade relations can take the form of both tariff and non-tariff barriers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade works closely with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, which has lead responsibility for trade policy and represents Ireland on a number of EU committees which discuss both tariff and non-tariff barriers in the context of ongoing EU free trade negotiations.
I thank the Minister of State for her positive response. Certainly, trade relations are improving rapidly and we must be pleased with a 16% increase in the current year. However, I have a concern. I regret that the Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, is not present as I raised this matter previously when she was present. She is currently hosting on her personal website critical comments about Turkey and its application for accession to the EU. One of her statements is that the Irish people are horrified by the prospect of Turkey's accession. I do not believe that statement represents the true position of either the Irish Government or the Irish people. While we are all conscious of the need to manage carefully the accession of a country with 79 million people, it is not helpful to the endeavour in which the Tánaiste and the Minister of State are involved to have one of their colleagues hosting this type of very critical comment on the World Wide Web. I ask them to engage with their colleague, who is a person I respect, and ask her to remove a statement that is offensive both to Turkish people living in this country and to people who wish to do business with this country.
The Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, had a family bereavement at the weekend. That is the reason she is not present today. I am aware of the statement she made in April 2010, but she was an Opposition Deputy at the time. The Government's position is consistent with that of previous Governments, which is that it supports Turkey's candidacy for EU membership. Progress on this requires that established criteria are met. Progress on its EU membership is quite slow and is likely to take a number of years. It has been stalled over recent months. A number of areas must be addressed, including human rights issues. Ireland's official position is that it supports accession when and if that becomes appropriate.
My sympathies to the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton. I was not aware of her bereavement. None the less, the point stands, and I again ask the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, to use her influence. I presume we cannot prevail on the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, to change her views but I am not sure it is incumbent on her to broadcast them on the World Wide Web. Given that she holds the position of Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, it is highly inappropriate that such views should be broadcast, especially when they are not in accordance with the view of both the Irish people or the Irish Government.
I note the Deputy's point but the Government's position is as I outlined, and that includes all members of the Government.
I accept the Government's position.
52 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, following his declaration of support for the Palestinian application for membership of the United Nations, he will now consider appealing to the Israeli ambassador for an end to the construction of illegal settlements in Palestinian territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27164/11]
I have consistently made clear, including in my address to the UN General Assembly last week, that the Government opposes Israel's illegal settlement of occupied Palestinian territory and that we want an immediate halt to such activity. This policy is stated at every opportunity, both directly with the Israeli authorities, in international fora and in discussions at EU level. The illegal Israeli settlements are a key driver of the unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict.
The expansion of settlements inherently involves the seizure of Palestinian lands, destruction of homes and eviction of families, and the exclusion of farmers from their fields. The network of checkpoints and closed roads that bedevil the lives of Palestinians in the occupied territories exists primarily not to ensure the security of Israel, but the security of the settlements. Violence by settlers against Palestinians is increasing and is largely ignored by the military authorities. The whole settlement enterprise sends a clear message that there is one law for Israelis and another for Palestinians.
The settlements also constitute, and are intended to constitute, an obstacle to the achievement of a comprehensive peace. If the settlements had not been put in place, the way to a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel, the Palestinians and the Arab world would now be clear and that such an agreement would be readily achievable. I am firmly of the view that a reinstatement of the settlement construction freeze, which ended last September, would be a major confidence building measure that could enable direct negotiations to resume.
I commend the Tánaiste on standing by this in America last week. Surely, he must be as disappointed as I am that President Obama has failed to deliver. Sadly, during his three years in power, Mr. Netanyhu has given him the run around and there has been no progress in the Middle East and his international record will not look great. Obviously, he is now much more interested in trying to get re-elected and in cosying up to the Israeli vote rather than making decisions in the best interests of the Palestinian people who are getting a pretty raw deal.
I refer to the decision to give the go ahead for more than 1,000 units in Gilo in East Jerusalem. This was only days after the Quartet asked that both sides avoid provocative actions so that the peace talks could get under way soon. What Israel did in the days after the UN meeting was a slap in the face for the quartet. Would the Tánaiste consider speaking to the Israeli ambassador about this issue? We know that as long as the settlements continue, there will be no appetite for peace.
President Obama is a very good friend of Ireland. This country has very warm and close relations with the United States which we will continue. President Obama will state his country's position on international issues at the UN, just as I stated Ireland's position on this issue. In respect of the expansion of the settlements, I said in reply to an earlier question that we strongly condemn the decision to go ahead with the 1,000 household settlement plan in Gilo in East Jerusalem. I agree with the Deputy that coming directly after the quartet statement, it was not a very good signal on whether progress can be made.
I remind the Deputy that the quartet statement is an agreed one between all the members, namely, the United States, Russia, the European Union and the UN, and it sets down a timetable. It also sets down very clearly that provocative and pre-emptive actions should not be engaged in, and I agree with that. My colleagues in the European Union, High Representative Baroness Catherine Ashton and I will focus on how we can make that quartet statement become a reality, get negotiations going and try to get a settlement.
I do not disagree with the Tánaiste that President Obama may be a friend of Ireland but it does not change the fact that his international reputation will be seen as one of impotence and incompetence. I would still like the Tánaiste to have a chat with the Israeli ambassador and point out in black and white that its stance is completely outrageous.
On several occasions since I came into office, I have spoken to the Israeli ambassador and representatives of the Israeli Government. I have also spoken to its Foreign Minister Mr. Lieberman. He and I were to have met at the UN General Assembly but there were changes on the Israeli side to that arrangement and the meeting did not take place. It is fair to say the Israeli Government is in no doubt as to where Ireland stands on this issue and on the continued expansion of the settlements. We will continue to use every opportunity to repeat and reinforce that.
The Tánaiste has adopted a strategy of working within a European consensus in regard to the Israeli-Palestinian question. He must be aware that the inconsistency of the international community in implementing UN resolutions in regard to illegal settlements and the profoundly provocative actions by the Israeli state will cause a big problem in the context of the Arab spring and Egypt. I have no doubt Syria will move towards democracy in the near future. What will happen is that more assertive representatives of the Arab people in those countries will emerge and they will not tolerate the continued approach of the international community. This is urgent.
What will be the European consensus in addressing this question and in ensuring the Israelis cease constructing illegal settlements, comply with UN resolutions and immediately engage in an honourable settlement with the Palestinian people to stabilise the situation in that critical fault line in terms of global conflict?
I refer to my approach to this issue in the European Union context. There are domestic and political considerations which influence the way the United State responds to this issue and the way it engages with it, and I think Deputy Wallace referred to this. Therefore, the European Union has a particular role to play in seeking to make progress. There is a framework around the quartet statement which the US, Russia, the UN and the European Union developed and put forward. The approach I will take is to encourage European Union colleagues and High Representative Ashton to take that forward. I will play whatever role I can on behalf of this country — a country with a long-standing record on this issue — in the EU Foreign Affairs Council and with European Union colleagues to support European Union efforts on this issue and to try to make progress towards talks.
