Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2023
40. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeline for the formal recognition by Ireland of the state of Palestine; the details of any analysis underway by his Department in preparation for this step; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41736/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
As I have stated repeatedly in this House, I would, in the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, be prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. The timing and context of any such decision would affect whether the resulting loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process and a two-State solution. My judgement at present is that this is not the case.
Efforts towards a two-State solution and the integrity of Palestinian territory are the subject of continuing reporting and analysis by my Department, taking account of developments on the ground as well as engagement with relevant counterparts at both political and official level. At political level, this has included, most recently, my visit to the Middle East as well as my engagement on this issue at UN High Level Week during the month of September.
