Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the recognition of Palestine, members will be aware that on 30 October last Sweden implemented its decision to recognise the Palestinian state. I am very conscious of the debate on this issue in the Oireachtas, including the motion passed by the Seanad on 22 October calling on the Government to formally recognise the state of Palestine and do everything in its power at international level to secure a viable two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As members will be aware, Ireland has for many years supported a two-state solution and all our actions and utterances are geared towards the ultimate goal of achieving this solution in the region. If there is no prospect of substantive peace talks resuming in the very near future, we will need to take close account of that in evaluating how we can achieve our overall goal. We must also take into account the important role of the European Union in reviewing the current peace process. This will be a major item on the agenda of the meeting on Monday next.

I was pleased, on behalf of Ireland, to propose at the most recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting that this issue be moved up the agenda at future meetings. I was a little concerned that there had not been the type of engagement or discussion on the formulation of a stance on the issue that many member states expected and wished. I suggested at the previous meeting, which was chaired by the then High Representative, Baroness Catherine Ashton, that the issue move up the agenda during the tenure of Ms Federica Mogherini, the incoming High Representative. I was pleased also that Ms Mogherini took my advice and that of others that she pay an early visit to the region, which she did last week. I look forward to meeting and engaging with her and to hearing at first-hand her account of the visit. I also want to hear her assessment as to how best the European Union should proceed on this issue. I would also like to hear the Swedish perspective in the aftermath of Sweden's recent decision.

The overall position on the ground remains highly volatile and dangerous. The death toll is rising following a series of violent incidents in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the West Bank in recent days, all of which we condemn most resolutely. Against this background, I regard it as unwise to rule out any option, including an early recognition of Palestine. What we must do is advance all causes that enhance the prospects of peace in the region and ensure the two-state solution still has a chance of being realised.

The Government's position is not set in stone. We approach this issue, as we have always done, as a steadfast friend of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. We wish to help them in whatever way we can to resolve their conflict and secure peace, dignity and security which the people of the region deserve and require. I will discuss this issue with my EU colleagues next Monday and listen intently to the High Representative's contribution on the issue. Our position will be evaluated in the light of this discussion and having regard to the circumstances on the ground. I undertake to keep the joint committee updated on our thinking and approach, as they evolve. I will return to the issue of immigration reform.