Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

If we get an opportunity between now and the Easter recess, the Leader may be able to fit in a debate on Palestine. I welcome the formation of the Palestinian national unity government which is approved by the Palestinian Legislative Council. It contains Hamas and Fatah representatives under President Abbas. The late Brian Lenihan was the first foreign minister in Europe to recognise the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and the right of the Israeli state to exist. We can continue the great work we have done in that regard through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who has welcomed the formation of the unity Government. I call on the European Union to formally recognise the unity Government established by the Palestinian people.