Ireland's recognition of the state of Palestine is an historic step in the struggle for freedom, self-determination and human rights for the Palestinian people.

I commend all those who campaigned for this over many decades.

Today, the people of Gaza continue to endure slaughter, displacement and starvation inflicted upon them by an Israel that acts with impunity. Israel's attacks on Gaza are war crimes. Ireland can and must take an active role within the international community in pushing for an immediate and full ceasefire and to hold Israel to account. The Government must follow today's important announcement by enacting the occupied territories Bill and taking the lead in Europe in pushing for sanctions against Israel. Will the Government take these important steps? Will the Taoiseach outline the arrangements for the formal recognition, which I understand will take place next Tuesday?

I thank the Deputy. I genuinely welcome that the Government and the Opposition in Ireland speak with one voice on this matter. It is important for the people of Palestine and for Ireland that we recognise the state of Palestine. I acknowledge the Deputy's long-standing support for that. I assure her and the House that we will continue to work at every possible opportunity for an immediate ceasefire. I will do that at every avenue, every conversation and every engagement. The Tánaiste is doing that. Every member of the Government and the Opposition should use every forum and lever available to them to do the same.

I outlined our view on the occupied territories Bill. It is a legal position based on the advice we have. I also outlined how we intend to progress that and how we will continue to try to win the argument at a European level.

The recognition by the Government will formally take place effective next Tuesday. I suggest we should, with the agreement of the Business Committee, have statements in the Dáil next Tuesday on it.