In the programme for Government, the Taoiseach committed to the State's honouring of recognition for the state of Palestine. Two and a half years ago the Dáil and the Seanad voted to do this but the Government, thus far, has refused to act. The Taoiseach still has time before he goes. The Government recognises the state of Israel, which is fair enough, but the failure to stand up for the rights of Palestinians has led to multiple acts of oppression and discrimination, including the stripping away of Palestinian land and water rights. This week there are more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners on a mass hunger strike. The situation grows more desperate every single day. The Taoiseach has been to the area and he knows what it was like years ago, but it has got worse since then. Before the Taoiseach leaves office, he has the opportunity to honour the will of the Oireachtas and his own programme for Government. Will the Government agree to recognise formally the state of Palestine?

I have always favoured a two-state solution in this respect. The Government has always said that the recognition of Palestine would have to be in the context of that recognition contributing to a two-state solution. This has gone on since 1948-----

I wonder why.

Countries that continue to buy arms-----

-----and this country has tried its damnedest on many occasions to bring about a situation where people can agree that there should be that two-state solution. Part of this is that Ireland has always said the recognition of Palestine is certainly quite possible, provided it leads or assists-----

The Oireachtas-----

Without interruption please.

-----towards a two-state solution so that people can live normal lives and not have to put up with the constant barrage, either way, which is what they have to do at the moment.