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

It was in respect of the need for Ireland to take actions and initiatives outside of the EU Council when it is clear that the EU Council is not going to be willing to take the type of initiatives needed, such as recognising the state of Palestine and other initiatives that would send a clear message that we do not support the preferential treatment of states that breach international law.