Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
160. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Government will officially recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35222/18]
View answerThe Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government “will honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict.”Successive Irish Governments have looked forward to being able to recognize a fully sovereign State of Palestine, and have seen this coming about as part of a lasting settlement and an overall peace agreement. However, in recognition of the frustration felt both in Palestine and here in Ireland over the lack of progress towards that objective, I have made clear repeatedly in the Dáil that I am prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when I consider that it might be helpful towards advancing the peace process and achieving the objective we seek. I have not yet concluded that that moment has arrived.
I recognise of course that such a gesture by Ireland could be a welcome sign of support for Palestinians, against a backdrop of hardship and frustration. But it would also be a symbolic gesture, and as such, the Government must also consider the likely impact, and the effect of such an action on Ireland’s own influence and standing on this and other questions.
I will continue to keep this matter under close and continuous review.
