Statement by the Tánaiste on United Nations Vote on Palestinian Membership

"I welcome that the United Nations General Assembly has passed the Resolution on Palestine’s membership of the UN by an overwhelming majority, with 143 states voting in favour – more than 80% of UN members voting. I am proud that Ireland took a leadership role in co-sponsoring the Resolution, and voting in favour.

"The international community must state unequivocally that it is time for concrete, irreversible actions to underpin the equal right to security, dignity and self-determination for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. Collectively, we made that statement today.

"I am under no illusion as to the challenge that converting this resolution into reality will entail.

"There is a long road ahead.

"But in today’s vote we have heard the voice of the world say unambiguously that it is time for Palestine to take its rightful place amongst the nations of the world."