Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

To be absolutely clear, Sinn Féin takes every opportunity with every individual and state of influence to call for an end to Israeli oppression of the people of Palestine. I asked the Tánaiste a number of questions and he did not answer a single one of them. I have acknowledged the positive moves made by the Government, including the Attorney General's appearance at the ICJ regarding the advisory opinion. If we listen to the words the Attorney General said on behalf of the people of Ireland, the next logical question that will be asked by any right-thinking person is what the Government is going to do about it.

One of the questions I asked the Tánaiste was about recognising the state of Palestine. Everybody says there needs to be a two-state solution. Currently we have two states, one of which is officially recognised and enjoys diplomatic relationships and preferential trading economic and financial arrangements with the western world.

The other state faces annihilation. We have not officially recognised it, despite the fact that we in this House and the Upper House have voted to do so, as well as the fact that the overwhelming majority of the Irish people want the state of Palestine to be recognised. The Tánaiste's answer is always that we are waiting for someone else to join us. However, I am asking him on all of our behalf to show leadership, set a date for Ireland to officially recognise the state of Palestine and encourage others to join us in doing so.

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