Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
61. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to establishing full diplomatic relations between Ireland and Palestine, when an ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50288/26]
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).
Since the announcement of Ireland’s decision to formally recognise Palestine, an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming the establishment of full diplomatic relations was completed on 29 September 2024.
Dr Jilan Wahba 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 Trade 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.
