Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
50. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the conversations he has had with President Trump or the US Administration since the President's decision to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53229/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra54. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific actions the Government will take in view of President Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and in view of the escalation of illegal settlement activity, forced displacement and demolition of Palestinian villages in Area C; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53142/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, further to Prime Minister Netanyahu's appearance at the Foreign Ministers' meeting on 11 December 2017 and his intention to justify illegal settlements in Palestine, he will condemn this illegal activity, in view of President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. [53162/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further action the European Union is considering taking with regard to the recent recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital by the US government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53232/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 54, 60 and 61 together.
In relation to the announcement by the United States in relation to Jerusalem, I refer Deputies to my earlier reply to Priority Question no 28.
I was in direct contact with the US authorities to express my concerns before this decision was taken, and I issued a public statement of the Government’s response and views when the announcement was made. Subsequently, US diplomats have contacted my Department at senior official level, as well as in other capitals, to explain the perspective of the US Government in taking this action. My officials in turn underlined the deep concerns which I expressed in my statement.
The European Union, as well as Ireland and many other Member States, have clearly expressed their concerns about, and disagreement with, the decision of the United States, and have restated our own policy that Jerusalem must become the capital of two states, Israel and Palestine. This position remains unchanged.
The expansion of Israeli settlements, and related policies of dispossession, demolitions and evictions, have been central to Ireland’s concerns on the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) for some years. I have stressed these issues at EU level in discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council and directly in our contacts with the Israeli authorities. I made a public statement condemning the settlement process on 20 October last. I have also advised the House from time to time on actions taken by my officials in relation to specific communities under threat in the occupied territory. Most recently, I expressed Ireland’s concerns in relation to settlements again directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu at an informal EU breakfast meeting with him in Brussels on Monday.
