Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2014
219. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to provide full diplomatic recognition to Palestine following Sweden's decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38848/14]
View answer223. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will follow the example of the Government of Sweden and offer full recognition to Palestine as a sovereign and equal nation state; his response to the change in policy by Sweden with regard to the impact it will have on efforts towards a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38867/14]
View answer224. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the full recognition of the state of Palestine; and the steps he will take on this matter following the recognition of the state of Palestine by the Kingdom of Sweden. [38881/14]
View answer225. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on giving formal recognition to Palestine as a state. [39011/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 223 to 225, inclusive, together.
Ireland supports the full achievement of a Palestinian state. We believe this should happen soon. Our policies are designed to be supportive of the negotiated comprehensive peace agreement which we believe is fundamental to the achievement of this objective.
I believe substantive political talks on a peace settlement must take place as a matter of urgency and I reiterated that view recently at the Gaza Reconstruction Conference hosted by the Governments of Norway and Egypt on 12 October in Cairo.
I am conscious of Sweden’s new approach and Ireland’s position will continue to be evaluated in light of our own assessment and that of all our EU Partners.
