John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McDonald outlined in her contribution why it is critical that we would recognise the state of Palestine, a motion on which was passed by the Dáil six years ago. At this critical juncture in time, it is important that all the leaders of all the political parties here in Leinster House would commit to this happening at this point. When I say it is critical at this point, obviously, major things are happening in the Middle East, particularly the annexation by the Israelis of the West Bank. It is critical, if we are to salvage any prospect of peace and a two-state solution. I will ask a direct question of the Minister of State. Will the Minister of State now commit to recognising the state of Palestine? It is critical that that question is also asked of the leader of Fianna Fáil, and of the Green Party. This is something that Sinn Féin commits, if we enter government to doing immediately.

My second question relates to the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. The events coming up on 1 July in respect of the Israeli Government's plans, with the support of Donald Trump, to annex the remaining settlements in the West Bank, show clearly the importance of that Bill. The Bill is a chance to shine a continuous light on the horrendous treatment of the Palestinian people. We know the views of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, and of Fine Gael on this and why it was excluded from the programme for Government but I also would like to ask the question of the leaders of Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. I ask specifically whether the Minister of State will reconsider ensuring that the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 is renegotiated into a programme for Government, given what will potentially happen on 1 July with the annexing of the settlements in the West Bank.

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