Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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21. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he will take to follow up on the recent unanimous decision by both Houses of the Oireachtas to recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2652/15]

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.

The Dáil motion called on the Government to recognise a State of Palestine as a further positive contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Achieving and recognising a Palestinian state has always been the Government’s objective, and our policies are 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, and I am open to any action that can move things forward positively. The EU at the November 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. The Deputy will be aware that Israeli elections will take place on 17 March.

In parallel to the work ongoing at EU level, I am also reflecting on the views expressed by all sides in the House during the 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 planning to visit both Israel and Palestine next month to undertake a wide programme of meetings, and I will take into account, inter alia, the views I hear there. High Representative Mogherini is aiming for a discussion at the April Foreign Affairs Council, after the Israeli election on 17 March. I welcome her indications that she intends to enhance EU engagement in the Middle East Peace Process.