The programme for Government commits the Government to honouring our commitment to recognise the state of Palestine. Two years ago the Dáil and the Seanad voted to do this but the Government has not acted on that commitment. Since the beginning of this year, 252 Palestinian homes in the West Bank have been demolished by the Israeli authorities and 1,062 people, including 553 minors, have been made homeless. The Israeli authorities have destroyed approximately 150 internationally-funded development projects, which has cost the EU an estimated €58 million.

There has also been an increase in the number of UN and non-governmental organisation officials denied entry into Gaza or the West Bank. The Taoiseach has been in Gaza and I have been there. It is not a pleasant experience. Imagine living there.

On 26 September I raised this issue with the Taoiseach. Nothing happened. I raised it on 8 June and nothing happened. The Taoiseach could stand up now and formally recognise the state of Palestine. It does not need legislation it only needs for the Taoiseach to take that decision. I invite him to keep to his Government's commitment to act in the letter and the spirit of the Oireachtas motion and to formally recognise the state of Palestine. I invite him to do that now.

The Deputy did raise this on several occasions. There is a decision in principle. I spoke to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade recently about it. He is concluding work on it and when that is finished I will report to the House.