Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I can state now Ireland is in favour of Palestine having its own state and that it wants to see that state living in peace with Israel. We want to see an agreed negotiated settlement of the entire conflict in the Middle East. My efforts on behalf of this country, which will be very much furthering a consistent policy followed by successive Governments over a long period, will be to help to secure such a negotiated settlement.

I cannot anticipate what resolution will be put before the General Assembly. Deputies will understand that until we see the terms of the resolution, it will not be possible to make a decision on how we will respond to it. I have indicated very clearly the positive approach Ireland is taking to the idea that there should be a Palestinian state. I will continue to work at European Union level to encourage EU colleagues and High Commissioner Catherine Ashton, who has been very active in this area, to continue to work to secure EU input.

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