Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
12. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in light of statements from members of the Israeli government that they will not allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state; if he will now honour the Programme for Government commitment to recognise the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56806/23]
View answer25. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagement with other European countries in respect of recognition of Palestinian statehood. [56725/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 25 together.
The 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”.
There are intensive discussions ongoing at EU level and with regional partners on how to develop a credible pathway to a two-state solution, allowing the Israeli and Palestinian people to live in the peace and security that they deserve. The timing and context of any decision on recognition would need to take account of these discussions, as well as the situation on the ground. This is an issue that remains under review and that I discuss with EU partners, and I would expect these discussions to intensify over the coming period.
