Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. The closing summary of his remarks have been read into the record of the Dáil hundreds of times over the past decade. When the Tánaiste says we have to look at recognition on the basis of what is the most optimal way possible for the benefit of the Palestinian people, I often wonder if those who cite this realise how patronising they sound. Every Palestinian political representative and every Palestinian civic organisation is asking states such as Ireland to officially recognise their state before it is too late. We are saying in response, apparently, that we will figure out and decide when it is best for them. It recalls Parnell's words that "no man has a right to fix the boundary to the march of a nation". We have to step up. As I said to the Tánaiste last week, if we do not do so, there will be no Palestine left to recognise. I ask the Tánaiste to set a date and send out the word to the world that others are welcome to join us in doing this.

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