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Middle East

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Ceisteanna (775)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

775. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the provisions that were included in his Department’s statement of strategy and high-level strategic goals to ensure that Ireland would take a more proactive approach to bring about a consensus at European Union level towards a negotiated and lasting peace process in the Middle East in the context of the programme for Government entitled Our Shared Future; the outcomes and performance indicators with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights that were identified in these plans; if the implementation of these goals has been reviewed; the result of such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44157/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As stated in the programme for Government; Our Shared Future, Ireland’s longstanding support for a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will remain an integral aspect of our foreign policy and we will continue to build consensus at EU level to take a more proactive approach in supporting a negotiated two-State solution and lasting peace process

This is reflected in the Department of Foreign Affairs Statement of Strategy 2021-2023, in particular under the High Level Strategic Goal 3, entitled Our Values: To work for a fairer, just, secure and sustainable world. Among the priority outputs identified under this Goal is the “promotion of a strong human rights agenda, with a focus on the most vulnerable, through our membership of the EU, the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and other multilateral organisations, as well as in our bilateral dialogues.” In addition, under High-Level Strategic Goal 2 entitled Our Europe: To advance Ireland's interests, influence and values in our shared Europe, a key priority output is “enhanced bilateral cooperation with our partners in Europe by strengthening and leveraging our mission network, deepening new and existing alliances, and maintaining high-level engagement.” An Annual Report is published reflecting the progress achieved in delivering on the strategic priorities set out in the Statement of Strategy, and progress on the delivery of the strategy is regularly reviewed by the Department. Additionally, the Government regularly requests progress updates on the programme for Government.

Ireland plays a leadership role at both EU and UN level in taking a consistent, clear, and firm line in relation to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland engages regularly on these issues in the context of the EU, including through my attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and regular bilateral contacts with my EU counterparts. Ireland’s engagement has consistently highlighted Israel’s obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, at EU and UN levels.

The Government remains committed to a two-State solution, and will continue to work with partners to revive a political process in line with international law, which ensures equal rights and is acceptable to both parties.

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