Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Sabella and thank him for his succinct outlining of a grim picture of Palestine. He depicted the significant loss of life in recent times, the injuring of so many people and the poor and desperate conditions in which people are living. One of the central tenets of the presentation related to the additional problems arising from the expansion of Israeli settlements and construction.

As Dr. Sabella is aware, the Dáil and Seanad passed non-binding motions more than a year ago recognising the state of Palestine. What significance does Dr. Sabella believe would formal recognition by Ireland and other EU member states have? Could that help to unlock the negotiations in the Middle East peace process? It would afford greater parity of esteem and status in the negotiations.

A theme in Dr. Sabella's final sentences was that the realisation of a two-state solution was becoming ever more difficult. Is it becoming more distant? Individually, the EU's member states have the competence to give recognition to the state of Palestine. If a large number of them recognised it formally, would that provide major leverage in support of Palestine's just demand for a peaceful co-existence with a neighbouring state?

I thank Dr. Sabella sincerely for his contribution. I also welcome the ambassador and his colleagues.