18 Mr. O'Leary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether plans will proceed to appoint a special EU envoy to the Middle East in view of recent statements by the Israeli Government with regard to EU involvement in the Israeli/Palestinian situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20061/96]

The Special European Council in Dublin on 5 October instructed the General Affairs Council, at its meeting on 28-29 October, to consider a mandate for the position of a European Union envoy to the Middle East. At its meeting in Luxembourg on 28 October, the Council appointed a Spanish diplomat, Mr. Miguel-Angel Moratinos, as EU Envoy to the Middle East.