Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Taoiseach; the EU has been far too passive. I am glad to hear the Taoiseach has confirmed he will be pressing at EU level next week for a text that will call for a permanent ceasefire and that will press for the two-state solution. His Government can do more, however, here at home as well. Senator Black's occupied territories Bill received cross-party support in the Seanad and, indeed, here in the Dáil, where Fianna Fáil and the Green Party supported it previously. Will the Taoiseach act now to bring that Bill through finally into law? He would have our support and, I think, support across the Opposition for that.

Will he also recognise Palestinian statehood? He made the commitment in the programme for Government: “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict.” Is not now the time to take this brave and bold action, unilaterally, yes, but as a strong voice for peace within the EU and to take a strong stance, as we did to end South Africa's brutal apartheid regime? We can do more domestically, as well as doing more at international level, to press our EU partners to look for a permanent ceasefire. We can do more to impose trade sanctions on Israel, to pass the occupied territories Bill and to recognise Palestinian statehood.

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