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Ministerial Meetings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2018

Thursday, 25 January 2018

Ceisteanna (19)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

19. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to Israel and Palestine; if he drew the attention of the Israeli Prime Minister to Ireland’s opposition to Israel’s occupation of Palestine and the apartheid regime that Israel enforces in Palestine; if he will request that the State officially recognises the state of Palestine; and if he will request the release of a person (details supplied). [3643/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Earlier this month, I visited Israel and Palestine for the second time in my role Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I met with key representatives of the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, as well as leaders of other Israeli political parties, UN agencies, and non-governmental organisations. In my meetings with the Israeli authorities, I expressed Ireland’s concerns about the impact of the continuing occupation, including settlement construction, and the detention of minors. I had a frank discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the prospects for returning to negotiations between the parties, and some of the impacts of the occupation on Palestinians, especially in Gaza.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Palestinian President Abbas, and Foreign Minister Malki, with whom I discussed the challenges facing the Palestinian people, the prospects for reinvigorating peace negotiations, and efforts to restore the Palestinian Authority to its role in Gaza – work that I encouraged and supported.

The Government is committed to recognising the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict. Ireland has long looked forward to being able to recognize a sovereign Palestinian state existing in fact and not just in theory. Ireland normally recognises states that actually exist and control their territory, and so successive Irish Governments have seen recognition of Palestine coming as part of an overall peace agreement.

I have not yet concluded that immediate recognition by Ireland would be a helpful step, but I keep this matter under continuous review, particularly in the light of the views expressed by the Dáil and the Seanad in 2014.

During my visit to Israel and Palestine, I raised concerns about the detention of minors with the Israeli authorities. I am aware of the case raised by the Deputy and I refer you to my reply to Question [3504/18 – no. 8 on the order paper].

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