Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign congratulates Seanad Éireann on recognition of the State of Palestine
The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign today congratulated Seanad Eireann on passing a motion which calls on the Irish Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine.
The motion, which was tabled by Sen. Averil Power and supported by Senators from all parties, as well as independents, was passed this afternoon without a vote. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, will come before the Seanad in November to discuss the issue further.
IPSC Spokesperson Freda Hughes said “We welcome this move on behalf of Seanad Eireann which follows on from recent votes in the British and Swedish parliaments. This is an important expression of support for Palestinian statehood and peace in the region in a highly symbolic, yet extremely effective, manner.”
Ms. Hughes continued, “We hope this motion will increase support for a similar vote in Dáil Éireann in the near future. International recognition of the State of Palestine is an important symbolic gesture that will increase diplomatic pressure on Israel to end the occupation.”
Ms. Hughes concluded by saying that “While symbolic actions such as this recognition are important and welcome, they are not a substitute for concrete and meaningful action. The IPSC continues to urge the Irish government to impose political and economic sanctions on Israel until it ends its occupation of Palestine and abides fully by its obligations under international law.”
Sen. Averil Power’s speech to Seanad Éireann