Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Trump's intentions are very clear from his statements about a one-state solution, his undertaking to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, his refusal to view Israeli settlements as an obstacle to peace and his decision to stop pressurising the Israeli Government to negotiate. This is in a context in which the number of demolitions of Palestinian homes in the West Bank is increasing yearly at an exponential rate - more than 1,000 last year versus just over 500 the previous year. The question is what the Irish Government will do about it. The Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, against what we think should happen, will meet Donald Trump on St. Patrick's Day. First, will he raise this issue then? Second, will the Irish Government fulfil its commitment in the programme for Government to a recognition of the Palestinian state? I agree that this would be symbolic. However, in this context, that symbolic value could be important.

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