Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste has visited Palestine a number of times and he will be aware that I was there recently. During my engagement with non-governmental organisations and the Palestinians the word that came up constantly was "impunity". They believe the Americans and the Israelis continue to act with impunity. We need to keep that to the forefront of our minds. They have no faith in any process which may be offered.

The Minister is aware of that also. Does he have any timeframe in mind to formally recognise the state of Palestine? Are we going to have an initiative by him to do this formally? Can I tie him down in that regard?

On the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill, is it still the position of the Minister that he is opposed to it? It is to be brought back to the Seanad in late November. The Minister knows my party's position on it. It is something that made an impact when it was passed on Second Stage in the Seanad. Has the Minister reconsidered his approach to it?

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