Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The actions the Irish Government has taken have been very much appreciated by the people of Palestine, not only in the context of our practical, financial and humanitarian support, but also by our recognition of their country as well. We are very much an outlier in the European Union in that regard. While we will keep talking to our European colleagues on this issue, there are different views around the European table. That is a reality we must live with.

I look forward to our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It is important. To touch on what Deputy Toole said about talking to the people, I will be engaging in a public consultation throughout the country about what our priorities should be. We will be doing our best to highlight the work we are doing within the European Union, not just in pursuing our interests, which we do day in and day out around the European table, but also in leading the European Union’s interests during that Presidency. I look forward to that whole process over the next period of time.

See this speech in context