Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government commits to developing and publishing "an updated National Heritage Plan that sets out policies for the protection and promotion of our built and natural heritage". The High Court ruled on Moore Street three weeks ago and the order will come into full effect in two weeks unless the Minister or developer appeals the decision. The court recognised, as has the National Museum, the historic importance of Moore Street. There is growing concern that the Minister is planning to appeal the High Court decision. Will the Taoiseach make clear that will not be the case? Will he ask the Minister to ensure the battlefield site is part of any updated national heritage plan? Will he state the Government's opposition to any proposal to extend planning permission to any developer?

The programme for Government states the Government will "honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine". The Taoiseach will recollect the Oireachtas voted in accordance with that commitment. Last week, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charlie Flanagan, participated in a conference in Paris to prepare for a peace conference later this year. That is just a little flicker of hope against a background of a peace process which really does not exist. The conditions for Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza are worsening. The recent reports have exposed the use by the Israeli forces of forced expulsions, home demolitions, thefts and settlement construction. In the first three months of 2016, the number of demolitions per month of either private property or international or EU funded projects increased to 165. We need to show leadership on this issue. I have said this many times. Will the Government recognise the state of Palestine now and not at some vague point in the future? Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to brief Opposition spokespersons on the Paris conference?

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