Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
58. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of his plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine as outlined in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19463/16]
View answerThe Government is committed “to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict”.
The Government works consistently to achieve a free, independent and sovereign Palestinian state, not just in theory but in fact, and all of our actions on the Israeli/Palestinian issue are directed to that end. It is central to our objective of a two state solution that will ensure the security and prosperity of both peoples.
I am considering carefully whether the immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, prior to its real achievement on the ground, could be a helpful step towards that goal.
The process begun by France at the Paris Conference on 3 June is an effort to break the deadlock and stimulate new efforts, and one the Government fully supports. It would clearly be unhelpful and confusing to make a unilateral move on recognition in the middle of that process, which is aimed at a second conference at the end of the year.
I continue to follow closely developments in the region. In recent weeks I have met a cross party delegation from the Knesset, participated at the Paris Conference, and made another visit to the region, where I spoke to Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders about this and other topics.
