Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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201. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to recognise the State of Palestine following Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann passing motions in favour of Ireland's recognition of the State of Palestine; the expected timeframe for the full recognition of the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48622/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s approach to the question of recognition of Palestine was set out in detail during the course of the debate held in the Dáil on 9 and 10 December. Achieving and recognising a Palestinian state has always been the Government’s objective, and everything we do on the Middle East is directed towards that aim. While successive Governments have always seen recognition coming as part of an agreed peace, I have made clear that I have absolutely no difficulty in principle with the idea of early recognition, if I believe it can contribute to achieving a settlement of the conflict. The present stalemate is not acceptable to me, and I am open to any action that can move things forward positively. As you know, the EU at the last Foreign Affairs Council, prompted by Sweden’s action and with my own support, began a process of reflection among Ministers as to the implications and possibilities of recognition and I believe that is an important, responsible and reasonable approach to take. In parallel with this, I am also reflecting on the views expressed by all sides in the House during the recent debate on the issue, including the considerations set out for the House by my Ministerial colleagues, and on the motions passed by both the Seanad and the Dáil; along with the views and positions of other EU partners; and on what early recognition could mean both for Palestine and for Ireland’s influence on this critical issue.

I am not in a position to indicate a timeframe for conclusion of this process at present.