Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach's commitment. He gave it last night, but I want to welcome it in the Chamber that he will bring forward the heads of the Bill. However, as I told him last night, I do not have any confidence that the Government is serious about having a proper commission of investigation into transactions at IBRC. The proof of this is that the Government voted against the amendments we tabled at the time that would have strengthened the terms of reference. It also ignored other propositions that we had put to it.

We look forward to the new terms of reference.

I refer to the diplomatic relations and immunities (amendment) Bill which would give effect to the Vienna Convention which specifies the privileges of a diplomatic mission and allows diplomats to perform their functions. The reason I raise this issue is the Dáil unanimously passed a motion calling for formal recognition of the Palestinian state and the Government to upgrade the Palestinian mission to that of a full embassy. The Government has not done this and I have raised the issue continuously and consistently. The Government has decided not to do it. It would be a positive contribution, acting on the wishes of the Oireachtas. When will the Government take the steps necessary to award the Palestinian mission full embassy status and to recognise the Palestinian state?

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