Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
48. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what plans are in place to upgrade the representative office of Ireland in Palestine to full embassy status and to appoint an ambassador, in light of the recognition by Ireland of the State of Palestine last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3413/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 May 2024, the Government decided to formally recognise the State of Palestine as a sovereign, independent State, within the territory defined by the 1967 borders referenced in UN Security Council resolution 242 (1967). Norway and Spain made similar announcements on the same date. Slovenia recognised Palestine shortly afterwards.
Ireland’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine was an expression of our clear view that it is time Palestine takes its full place amongst the nations of the world and our belief in the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The aspirations of both peoples must be afforded equal legitimacy, based on a two-State solution that delivers a just and sustainable peace.
An exchange of diplomatic notes confirming the establishment of full diplomatic relations was completed on 29 September 2024.
Ms Jilan S.S. Abdalmajid presented her Letter of Credence to President Higgins on 17 December 2024, and, at that point, formally assumed the role of Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland.
Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah is treated as a full diplomatic mission by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the position of Head of Mission is an Ambassador-level post that – in common with other such appointments – is approved by Government decision. It has been the practice of other states that have recognised the State of Palestine and that have diplomatic missions there to maintain the title of Representative Office following the establishment of diplomatic relations.
