Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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449. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 17 December 2014, the steps he has taken on the recognition of the state of Palestine since his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10213/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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As noted on 17 December 2014, the Government’s approach to the question of the 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 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 2014 Foreign Affairs Council, with my strong support, began a process of reflection among Ministers as to the implications and possibilities of recognition.

In parallel to the work ongoing at EU level, I continue to reflect on what early recognition could mean both for Palestine and for Ireland’s influence on this critical issue.

During my visit to the region at the end of February, I met with leaders on both sides, including the Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Liberman and the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. The issue of recognition came up in those meetings.

I expect a discussion at the April Foreign Affairs Council, after the Israeli election on 17 March. I welcome the High Representative Mogherini’s indications that she intends to enhance EU engagement in the Middle East Peace Process.