Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It seems the Taoiseach has had a number of meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. I also welcome the outcome of the vote taken at the UN General Assembly last week regarding membership for Palestine. As the Taoiseach knows, Ireland co-sponsored the resolution which received 143 votes, representing approximately 80% of the votes. Ireland was the first EU state to endorse the idea of Palestinian statehood back in 1980. In 2014, the Dáil passed a motion on this issue. I encourage the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to continue their efforts with like-minded EU states, including Spain, with regard to the recognition of the state of Palestine.

The Oslo Accords provide for recognition after a final agreement has been reached. Things have changed, though, and recognition now could actually help the process of bringing about a permanent and peaceful two-state solution based on the Arab peace plan. What other like-minded EU states are on board in this regard? The Taoiseach mentioned in his reply to the last set of questions that he hopes to have some communications in the hours ahead. He also mentioned that Malta and Slovenia are on board. At this stage, who else is on board? Is he likely to get more countries on board? He may be able to answer that question. What is the timescale for recognition? Does the Taoiseach have a date in mind at this stage? Again, in answer to the previous group of questions, the Taoiseach said he hoped to have it agreed this month. Is that still his target?

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