Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2017
50. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position of the Government on the formal recognition of the state of Palestine in view of the recent statement by the President of the USA in support of a one-state solution and in view of 138 UN member states affirming Palestinian statehood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8817/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would refer the Deputy also to my replies to Questions 29 and 33 earlier today on this subject.
I am keeping under continuous review the question of whether and when an immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine might be helpful, bearing in mind the positive and negative arguments which I have previously outlined, and developments both on the ground and in the wider international politics of the issue. The views of this House are also an important consideration.
President Trump’s recent remarks on the two state solution have indeed given rise to widespread concerns, but he did not in fact support a one state solution.
The policies of the United States, or of those states which have already recognised Palestine, are of interest in relation to this question. But Ireland’s policy will be decided on our own assessment of the balance of the factors involved.
