Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind Deputies Crowe and Ó Snodaigh that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his Government colleagues are willing to move on early recognition of Palestine if it is concluded that it can be helpful and the time is right. The Minister made this very clear in last year's Dáil debate, when he outlined the factors that would guide that consideration. The Minister is continuing to consider the question carefully and I would be happy to advise him of the arguments advanced by the Deputies here today.

There is no disrespect for the views of the Oireachtas. The motions moved last year are clearly important factors to be considered, but this remains a decision for the Government, based on its assessment of the pros and cons of the issue and its timing.

See this speech in context