Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2018
64. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas; his views on the recognition of the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39231/18]
View answerWhen I visited Ramallah last January, I extended an invitation to President Abbas to visit Ireland again, ten years after his last visit. I was delighted that he took up this invitation last weekend, and was pleased to be able to welcome him to Ireland.
The Taoiseach and I had a substantive and useful meeting with President Abbas at Farmleigh on 22 September, following on from his meeting with President Higgins earlier in the day. I also hosted a working dinner for President Abbas and his delegation that evening. The presence of a large delegation accompanying him to the UN General Assembly in New York meant that the meetings also benefitted from the presence of other senior Palestinian leaders, including Saeb Erekat, Chief Negotiator and Secretary General of the PLO; Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ziad Abu-Amr; Foreign Minister Riad Malki; and others. This contributed to a very full and useful discussion.
The topics we covered included the current situation in Palestine, and issues arising from the occupation, including settlements; the situation in Gaza; the funding crisis facing UNRWA; the international environment and prospects for any political initiative; human rights issues in Palestine, especially in Gaza; and the forthcoming United Nations Ministerial sessions and related meetings.
President Abbas and his colleagues expressed their strong hope that Ireland would soon recognise the State of Palestine. I explained the Government’s position, our consistent support for the achievement of a fully sovereign Palestinian state, and my continuing assessment of whether and when formal recognition by Ireland could be most helpful. I made clear in my public remarks with Minister Malki that the growing general concern about the evolution of the situation on the ground – which the Government fully shares – was itself also a relevant factor in that assessment.
I also discussed with the Palestinian delegation the idea of Ireland hosting an informal meeting of a small number of Arab and European Ministers with Palestinian representatives, to reflect privately on how to advance the cause of peace. We are working to develop this concept, in consultation with partners, over the coming weeks.
In terms of practical assistance which Ireland can offer to the Palestinian people, I announced an additional €1 million in Irish Aid funding for UNRWA, bringing Ireland’s total funding to UNRWA to €7 million this year, the highest it has ever been. I underlined the Government’s strong support for the Agency and the essential work it is carrying out under difficult conditions.
