Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have very clearly outlined the Irish Government's position and, I believe, that of the people of Ireland on the need for an immediate cessation of violence and for all people who believe in that to use all levers at their disposal to bring it about. That is why, at my first European Council meeting, I reiterated Ireland's call for a review of the association agreement with Israel. If you put human rights clauses into agreements, they should count for something. I will continue to do what I have been doing. I have not had discussions with the Biden Administration on the specific issue the Deputy has raised.

The Government, including the Tánaiste and me, wish to recognise the state of Palestine, and I believe the Deputy does too. We wish to do so because if you believe in a two-state solution, it is helpful to recognise the existence of both states. I would like to recognise Palestine at a time when a number of European states wish to do so but I do not wish to wait around on this for too long. I hope to be in a position to provide an update to the House in the coming weeks.

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