Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has criticised the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, over his refusal to outline a plan or timescale to recognise the State of Palestine.

Crowe raised the issue during the Parliamentary Questions with the Minister and after motions were unanimously passed in the Dáil and Seanad calling on the Government to officially the State of Palestine.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“I tabled this question to find out what specific plans, if any, the Minister has for the formal recognition of the Palestinian State by this Government. Motions with all party support passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas last year calling on the Government to do just that.

“Today the Minister refused to outline or detail any plans or a timescale he is working towards to making this a reality. He is ignoring the wishes of the Dáil, Seanad, and the widespread support of the people of Ireland by his inaction. This is disappointing.

“The people in Gaza can’t wait any longer and the people behind the apartheid wall in the West Bank can’t wait for the international community to broker a better deal. Minister Flanagan needs to be pro-active, change doesn’t just happen.

“Minister Flanagan referred to the Israeli elections as a factor in his inaction. The Palestinian people have a right to self-determination and this should not be reliant on the wants or wishes of any other country.

“He needs to immediately begin the process of recognising the State of Palestine and publically show that Ireland stands firmly on the side of the oppressed and colonised, and against those who want to undermine the possibility of a two state solution.”

ENDS