Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The key issue is that the Government has failed to act on the determination of the Oireachtas. When I was speaking a moment ago, I informed the Taoiseach that the letter I received from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at his request was entirely unsatisfactory. In his reply, the Taoiseach essentially read out the content of that letter. We want to see the Government recognising the state of Palestine. It is quite right that we recognise the State of Israel. I support that position and I believe in a two-state settlement. Why is this country recognising one state but not the other state? The notion that it should have to wait until there is a settlement has been presented. No settlement will be reached unless progressive states in the international sense, including this State, raise their voices. Who else is going to do it?

See this speech in context