Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I wish to inform the House that today, the Government appointed the first ever ambassador from Palestine to Ireland. That is an important moment. Deputy Pringle should not tut-tut about that. It is something that is seen as very important by the Palestinian Authority. If Deputy Pringle wants to tut-tut about that, that is on him. The ambassador is very pleased at being appointed, as are the President, Prime Minister and Government of Palestine. That is the first point to make.

The second point is that it is my understanding that this matter will be discussed at the Oireachtas foreign affairs committee today. I understand the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs is attending the committee. It is also my understanding that agreement has been reached with the Chair and the sponsor of the Bill on how to proceed. I acknowledge the huge leadership and highly constructive engagement shown by Senator Black. She has engaged intensively with the Tánaiste on this. I thank her for that. It is further my understanding that the Senator, the Tánaiste and his officials, including the legal adviser to his Department, will present to the committee this evening on the legislation. That is quite important.

Deputy Pringle is right on this. While I do not speak for the entire Dáil, I get the sense that there is now a consensus across the Government and the Opposition that we would like to see legislation passed in this regard, but we would also like to see legislation passed that is not going to fall at the first hurdle or in the European courts.

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