Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We also met Yasser Arafat in Tunis. We saw developments taking place in Ireland, and the Irish Government was very sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. We opened many doors, and I applaud Dr. Sabella's recognition of Ireland's role on the Palestinian issue. We pride ourselves on having made a great deal of progress for the Palestinian cause at various international bodies. I congratulate the diplomatic team from Palestine. The Palestinian flag now flies freely among the flags of the nations of the world at the United Nations, which is an important step forward. Dr. Sabella will have noticed the row that was caused by the Israelis in reaction to Palestine's membership of UNESCO, which Ireland was instrumental in pushing. I also congratulate Palestine on its rather belated arrival on the International Criminal Court, ICC, which again has caused Israel to think twice. Palestine has done wonderful work in the diplomatic arena, not just in Ireland but throughout the world. Its embassy staff throughout the world have a greater status than they had heretofore.

My problem, now, is that while we wish to recognise the state of Palestine, how can we recognise a non-existing state given the conflict between Fatah and Hamas? Let us call a spade a spade. Hamas controls Gaza while Fatah controls the West Bank. There is a single government but is it acting as a government? I am putting the ball back in the Palestinian court by asking Dr. Sabella to advise me on when he thinks it will be possible to create unity of purpose between Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Dr. Sabella mentioned people becoming sceptical as to whether there can be a two-state solution given the intrusion by the Israelis with the building of settlements. Is there a plan B if there is no two-state solution? Is plan B a unitary state? Is it too much to hope that there would be a state that would give equal recognition to Palestinians, Jews, Moslems, Catholics and so forth? Speaking of religion, I compliment the religious people, some of whom are from Ireland, who go to these very troubled areas and act as witnesses and observers. They are religiously motivated, which is fine, but they are a peace corps element out in the field. I congratulate them. Some of them, tragically, have lost their lives, including an American lady.

Palestine has made much progress, helped by Ireland, in the EU. Labelling the origins of goods and the fact that produce from the occupied territories cannot be labelled as Israeli goods is another indication of that. The diplomatic movement is happening, and it is growing in strength and respectability in the world. However, to return to Hamas, Fatah, the West Bank and Gaza, how can we be convinced that the unity of purpose exists so governments can feel confident enough to applaud the state of Palestine?