Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
311. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Ireland’s seat at the UN Security Council can advance the formation of a Palestinian state in line with the votes of Dáil and Seanad Éireann. [5006/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the commitment of Ireland to recognise the state of Palestine will be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5451/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 328 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”.
I have been clear that, in recognition of the lack of progress towards a two-State solution, 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.
Recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement could, however, affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether such a loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process.
Ireland is committed to supporting a viable two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The matter is discussed regularly at the Security Council.
This month, UN Secretary General Guterres appointed a new UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr Tor Wennesland. On 26 January Mr Wennesland provided a briefing to the UN Security Council at the 'Quarterly Open Debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question'.
At this debate, I outlined Ireland’s position on the Middle East Peace Process and called for a renewed role for the Middle East Quartet to re-energise the peace process. I emphasised that Ireland remains ready to support any peace initiative that respects the international parameters for a two-State solution and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and which provide a basis to meet the aspirations of both peoples.
Ireland will continue to work with international partners on this issue including while we are on the UN Security Council, in particular focusing on the need for the adherence of all parties to the Resolutions which have been adopted by the Council, and our opposition to actions which undermine a viable two State solution.
