Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

Over the years, I have always heard the Minister speak in a very fair manner about the Middle East. I hope this does not stop. The argument for giving Palestine a more fair deal than it is receiving a present is pretty obvious.

I was reading this morning that Israel holds the world record for violating UN Security Council resolutions. It has violated 30, which is incredible. The Palestinian people are living in unbelievable conditions, as the Minister knows, and there is no justice. The Minister implied US President Barack Obama is not in a position to offer support at present because he is in re-election mode and depends too much on the Israeli lobby in the United States. If there is a General Assembly vote, will the Irish Government vote in favour of a Palestinian state? If not, will the Minister state categorically that we are absolutely in favour of Palestine having its own state and that Israel must start negotiating to move out of the occupied territories?

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