Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government, the Taoiseach committed to the State's honouring of recognition for the state of Palestine. Two and a half years ago the Dáil and the Seanad voted to do this but the Government, thus far, has refused to act. The Taoiseach still has time before he goes. The Government recognises the state of Israel, which is fair enough, but the failure to stand up for the rights of Palestinians has led to multiple acts of oppression and discrimination, including the stripping away of Palestinian land and water rights. This week there are more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners on a mass hunger strike. The situation grows more desperate every single day. The Taoiseach has been to the area and he knows what it was like years ago, but it has got worse since then. Before the Taoiseach leaves office, he has the opportunity to honour the will of the Oireachtas and his own programme for Government. Will the Government agree to recognise formally the state of Palestine?

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