Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
66. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the details of any meetings he had at the UN regarding Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41808/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring my visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, I discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with key stakeholders and participated in events focused on revitalising the peace process, including the EU-led Peace Day Initiative.
I emphasised Ireland’s concerns about increased violence, incursions and settler attacks in the occupied Palestinian territory in my bilateral meetings with regional Foreign Ministers and I underlined the importance of supporting Palestine refugees through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. In my discussions, including at an International Peace Institute event, I also reaffirmed the need for elections in the occupied Palestinian territory to ensure democratic legitimacy.
I attended the ‘Peace Day Initiative’ organised by the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Saudi Arabia, and the League of Arab States, in co-operation with Egypt and Jordan. The event brought together international partners to consider the benefits of sustainable peace in the region. I reaffirmed that the Middle East Peace Process is a longstanding foreign policy priority for Ireland. I noted my concern at the increasingly negative trends on the ground and called for a renewed international focus on this issue.
