Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I renew a call to the Leader for a debate on the Middle East and Gaza, given that today and tomorrow will see the biggest ever international conference ever held in Ireland, with foreign Ministers from all over the world attending the OSCE meeting in the RDS. This is a significant event for Ireland and has brought a great number of people to the country, including US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. It is important to note, in terms of the Middle East, that Ireland took a lead on the recognition of the Palestinian State for observer status at the United Nations. When the vote came up at the UN the majority of EU members agreed with Ireland's original lead on the issue, which sought to ensure that Palestinians would move a very important step in their advance towards statehood. I welcome that. It is an example of what even a small country like Ireland can do as part of an international organisation. It is important that we mark Ireland's position as chair of the OSCE this year.