Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As I stated in Dáil éireann on 9 April, it is my intention to bring a formal proposal on recognition to Government following the completion of discussion with international partners. The Taoiseach and I are actively engaged in discussions with partners in the European Union and the region. On 10 April, I spoke with the Foreign Minister of Spain about our plans for recognition, and the Taoiseach held discussions with Prime Minister Sánchez in Dublin on 12 April.

Following the most recent European Council meeting in March, Ireland joined with Spain, Malta and Slovenia to release a joint statement that outlined our readiness to recognise Palestinian statehood when it can make a positive contribution and the circumstances are right. Discussions on this are ongoing with partners.

The Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.

Recognition is a step Ireland can only take once, a step which should be carefully calibrated to best advance the peace process, a step to take when the timing is right.

We are clear that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through implementation of a two-state solution, with Israeli and Palestinian States living side-by-side, in peace and security.