Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern today welcomed the beginning of Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip and a small number of West Bank settlements.
Israel had occupied the disputed territory since the 1967 Middle East war.
Mr Ahern expressed his hope that the initiative would be completed smoothly and would lead to further progress towards lasting peace in the region.
"I welcome the commencement of disengagement from Israel's settlements in Gaza. I am pleased that the process has started, and I hope that it will be completed on schedule and in an orderly and peaceful way," he said.
"The clear commitment of Prime Minister Sharon and his government to carrying it through, despite the political difficulties they face, is commendable.
"The Palestinian Authority faces equally serious challenges in ensuring that disengagement passes off peacefully, and that they can take full advantage of the opportunity which it presents. I also strongly welcome the determination of President Abbas and his colleagues to make the process work," he said.
Mr Ahern added that Israel's disengagement from Gaza could only truly be a success if Gaza can become economically viable.
The Minister also said that during meetings last month he assured leaders of both sides of Ireland's willingness to play its part in the international effort to ensure that disengagement succeeds.
"Drawing on our own experiences, I also emphasised the importance in any peace process of developing dialogue and mutual trust. Disengagement from Gaza is an important advance but it cannot be the end of the road," said Mr Ahern.
Meanwhile, Labour Party president Michael D Higgins is to travel to Palestine next week as part of a delegation of former European ministers at the invitation of United Civilians for Peace (UCP).
The organisation, a co-operative organisation of peace and development bodies, has asked the delegation to observe and address a number of issues in Palestine and Israel, including the construction of the separation wall in the West Bank.
The delegation, which will be led by ex-Dutch Prime Minister Prof. Andreas Van Agt and includes former German Minister for Labour Dr Norbert Bluem, will have meetings with members of both the Palestinian and Israeli Parliaments, the Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Jula and Beit Sahour, and will meet members of various Non-Governmental organisations and civil society groups.
Speaking today Mr Higgins said that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza should be a first step in a broader initiative towards a lasting peace in the region and not an end point.
"While the Israeli settlements in Gaza are being dismantled, thousands of new dwellings are being created in the West Bank in direct and continuing contravention of International law," he said.