Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is an appalling answer to what we are seeking. I do not see how the Minister of State can ignore the democratic will of this House. He says the final decision rests with the Minister, but the Minister's colleagues in both Houses have called for the recognition of Palestine. The Minister of State says the timing is not right, but when will it be right for the Palestinian people? It is a fair question, but does the Minister of State have an answer to it?

We were also told that the timing was wrong for the labelling of settlement goods. Eventually, however, after waiting for years, the matter has been recognised.

The Minister of State is concerned about the impact this might have on Israel. What about the impact it might have on Palestinians, who at the moment are under the heel of the Israeli defence forces, including those Palestinians who are under siege in Gaza and those Palestinians who are being tortured in terrible conditions in prisons across the Occupied Territories?

I want to see the Minister of State deliver a positive message. We have repeatedly asked the Government. The Minister of State has said there is no recognition, but what is the Government waiting for? Sweden has recognised, which has led to a reflection in all the EU states on the issue. The situation has got considerably worse in Palestine - any fool would accept that. The Israeli Government continues to flout international human rights law with impunity. Recognition of Palestine along the 1967 lines is the logical step now for all states committed to an equitable two-state solution.

If we truly want a lasting and sustainable peace in this region, we need to work swiftly to recognise the state of Palestine. That is what we are asking for. Pushing it off for another six months, two years or five years would mean Ireland playing no real role in trying to bring about a lasting peace in the region.

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