Last night the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 passed Committee Stage in the Seanad. As today is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I welcome that progress. The Bill is supported by all parties in the House except Fine Gael, which urgently needs to get on board with what is a progressive and human rights-based legislative measure. Nothing will change in Gaza or the West Bank until the international community moves from empty rhetoric to putting pressure on Israel. Next week marks the fourth anniversary of a Sinn Féin motion that was agreed unanimously by the House and that called on the State to formally recognise the state of Palestine. The Government has dragged its heels on this matter despite a commitment in the programme for Government. It is time to make a principled stand for peace and progress in the Middle East. The continued mantra from Fine Gael that the time is not right is simply not good enough. Will the Tánaiste accept that this is the right time to afford recognition to the people and state of Palestine?

The Deputy's time is up.

I wish to say to the people of Palestine that this House recognises the official state of Palestine-----

The Deputy is taking time from his colleagues.

-----as do the majority of its elected Members.

Will Members please learn to read the clock? When leaders take a long time, they are taking time from their colleagues. Those colleagues will not have an opportunity to ask their questions.

I have outlined on the record of the Seanad and publicly why we cannot support the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. We do not believe it to be legally sound or capable of being implemented. I understand the political frustration that produced the Bill. Palestinians and the Palestinian National Authority have strong advocates in both Houses, and I am one of them. I have probably spent more time on the Middle East peace process than on anything else aside from Brexit and EU issues since being appointed as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. We will continue to try to impact positively on trying to find a way forward that will protect Palestinians and support a sustainable two-state solution for both Israel and Palestine. However, I will not be bounced into anything that I believe is the wrong thing to do.

I call Deputy Howlin.

The Dáil voted for it unanimously.

Please, Deputy.

That is democracy.