Foreign Conflicts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2017

Thursday, 23 February 2017

Ceisteanna (263)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

263. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps the Government is taking together with the international community in order to support a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, especially after the decision of the US President, Donald Trump, and the United States not to pursue a two-state solution; his views on whether Ireland should recognise the state of Palestine in an attempt to bring about the two-state solution rather than waiting for the enactment of the solution to recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9149/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions 29 and 33 in the oral Parliamentary Question session yesterday, which dealt with the position of the US Government and the issue of recognition.

Ireland and our EU partners have made clear, and will continue to make clear, our continuing full support for a two state solution in the Middle East. The strong international consensus in favour of this position was restated only last month at the Paris Conference, and in Resolution 2334 adopted by the UN Security Council in December. I hope that, as the new US administration continues to examine its options in the Middle East, the logic of this long standing international consensus will reassert itself.

I am keeping under continuous assessment whether recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine at this time could help to bring closer the achievement of that solution. If I conclude that it would, I will have no hesitation in recommending to the Government to recognise a state of Palestine.