Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe, has welcomed that the issue of Palestinian statehood will be debated in the Dáil and everyone regardless of their party’s allegiance will be given a historic opportunity to discuss over two nights what is happening in the region.

Crowe said that the preferred two-state solution was fast running out as a viable option and called on all Dáil Deputies to do the right thing and back his party’s motion.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“This motion has been moved by Sinn Féin to encourage a debate about what is actually happening to the Palestinian people under the Israeli occupation. It gives Dáil Deputies an opportunity in a real and substantial way to support measures to recognise Palestine as a State.

“The non-binding motion calls on them to recognise Palestine as a State along the internationally recognised1967 borders.

“Palestine declared its independence along these borders in 1988 and so far 135 countries have officially recognised the State of Palestine.

“The Irish people already overwhelmingly recognise the State of Palestine, its long past the time that the Dáil collectively did the same.”

ENDS