Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:408. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to give official recognition to the State of Palestine. [19173/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 July 2020
Ceisteanna (408)
Freagraí scríofa
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”.
In recognition of the lack of progress towards a two-state solution, I have been clear that I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. This is an issue where there could be benefits to moving in step with EU partners, and it is a matter that I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
However, recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement would also undoubtedly affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether this loss of influence would be matched by delivering a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process. I am continuing to monitor the situation closely.