It appears the Minister has either disappeared or decided he is going to personally investigate fraud himself.

The programme for Government states the Government will honour its commitment to recognise the state of Palestine. That vote was taken by the Dáil and Seanad two and a half years ago. Níl an Rialtas tar éis faic a dhéanamh i dtaobh an ábhar seo ó shin. Tá go leor Teachtaí tar éis é a ardú leis an Taoiseach, ach níl le rá aige ach go bhfuil sé á staidéar ag an Aire. In the meantime, the failure of governments, including our own, to stand up for the rights of Palestinians has led to the continued theft of Palestinian land and water, the building of illegal settlements and, in recent weeks, the commencement of a mass hunger strike by more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Like the Middle East peace process, the international consensus on a two-state solution has been paralysed for years. The Government has an opportunity to demonstrate international leadership. Will the Government now finally agree to recognise formally the state of Palestine?

The Government has shown great international leadership in restoring the country's sovereignty, rescuing our economy from the depths of despair in which it was and sending out that signal internationally. The Deputy is engaged in a campaign throughout the country with flags for Palestine all over the place, and he is entitled to do so if he wishes, but the point is we have had a very clear view in this country for very many years that we would support a two-state solution in respect of Palestine and Israel. We also said we would be happy to recognise the state of Israel provided it could be shown clearly it was in the interests of achieving a two-state solution.

I think the State recognises the state of Israel. It is the state of Palestine.

Unfortunately, the Government here is not responsible for what happens in Gaza or the West Bank. We have shown an exceptional interest in this. We have been very clear through the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and with ambassadors from Palestine and Israel on many occasions about this. That is the position.

What is the position on the commitment?

We are quite prepared to work in the interests of the recognition of the state of Palestine provided it can be shown clearly that is in the interest of achieving a two-state solution. Unfortunately, these discussions are not at that point yet.