Middle East

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024

Thursday, 9 May 2024

Questions (70, 83, 85, 91, 99, 107, 114)

Robert Troy

Question:

70. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on plans to recognise a Palestinian state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20903/24]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

83. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the progress being made to recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20537/24]

Mark Ward

Question:

85. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will recognise the State of Palestine; the work being carried out by the State in the European Union to promote Palestinian statehood. [12763/24]

Pauline Tully

Question:

91. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the discussions taking place with other European countries on a joint declaration of recognition of the State of Palestine; the timeframe within which Ireland will give formal recognition to the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20901/24]

Mark Ward

Question:

99. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on when the Government will recognise the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20711/24]

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

107. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in announcing formal recognition of the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20729/24]

Patrick Costello

Question:

114. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a timeline for the recognition of Palestine. [20748/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 83, 85, 91, 99, 107 and 114 together.

As I stated in Dáil Éireann on 9 April, it is my intention to bring a formal proposal on recognition to Government following the completion of discussions with international partners.

These discussions are ongoing. The manner in which Ireland and like-minded partners could support regional efforts to return to a political pathway towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution of this conflict and a two-state solution was a central focus of my meetings with Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Jordan during my most recent visit to the region in April.

At a recent meeting convened in Riyadh by Saudi Arabia and Norway, which was attended by Ireland as well as several European and regional partners, the importance of taking concrete steps towards the realisation of a Palestinian State in the context of the two-State solution was emphasised.

This is a perspective that I have also shared in detail will all EU partners, including most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council in April. I also remain in frequent contact with key like-minded partners and most recently spoke with my Spanish counterpart on 1 May.

It is clear from these engagements, that both our European and regional partners support the need for early, credible and irreversible steps to implement a two-State solution.  In this regard, it remains my firm view – and the view of our partners – that recognition is a step that should be carefully calibrated to best advance the peace process. I will be remaining in frequent contact with key partners on this issue in the coming period.