Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Crowe for raising this issue. I have set out the response from the Minister. The Deputy will see the Irish representatives along with other international colleagues are very active and recognise the urgency and concern the Deputy raises. On the wider issue of a settlement in the region, it is Ireland's view and that of the European Union that a just and comprehensive resolution to the conflict must be based on two states living side by side in peace and security. That goal remains unchanged.

The Government has also made it clear in its programme for Government that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade keeps under continual review whether the immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine prior to its real achievement on the ground could be a helpful step towards the goal of resolving the conflict. He has made it clear he will recommend early recognition by Ireland if it would be helpful. He is working very closely with a number of Middle East peace initiatives, both an initiative by the French and preparatory work led by Sweden. It is in the context of those initiatives that the Minister will make a decision on this issue as is committed to in the programme for Government.

I will convey the Deputy's views to the Minister and once again apologise he was not able to make it here on this occasion. It does not in any way diminish his commitment to the issues the Deputy has raised.

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