Nearly two weeks ago, Slovenian media outlets made predictions regarding Ireland following suit with the Slovenian government and other countries, in providing formal recognition to Palestine on the 21st of May. As those predictions seem to have been a mere day out, we anticipate a formal announcement from Ireland’s government, possibly as you read this.
In the wake of these initial press reports, Dublin was fraught with unease, the government only conceding to make this political gesture in the forthcoming weeks, later refining this statement to come by the end of May. Monday witnessed waffling about whether a resolution would be presented to the cabinet, with word of Taoiseach briefing the cabinet, yet no conclusive decision seems to have been reached.
Hesitations have arisen due to the extent of indirect communications with fellow European countries. The expectation is that Ireland will coordinate this announcement with two other European Union members. If this is the case, it appears that one of the earlier trio – Spain, Slovenia and Malta – may have stepped down from involvement, or deferred their participation. The apprehension recently permeating government buildings has been driven by concerns over wavering commitment from other countries, the repercussions on domestic political scenarios, and the possibility of once enthusiastic countries backing out, such as Belgium. Rumours regarding Norway’s plans were also circled widely. All will be clarified later today, with Israel’s retaliation also anticipated.
While the domestic politics involved is less complicated, this shouldn’t undercut the gravity of the moment, coming in under 50 days since the election of Simon Harris as Taoiseach. This bold foreign policy move is unusual, particularly as Ireland leads the way in European nations acknowledging Palestine. Simon Harris’s New Energy (™) seemingly has an influence on both domestic and international policy, but a move with such sincerely does also carry potential risks.
The Deputy Prime Minister has been heavily involved in diplomatic negotiations over the past few months, with discussions initiated at a dinner he held with similar-minded nations to contemplate the subject of recognition on the 21st of January. This was then succeeded by a series of calls and conferences with the UAE, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, and Spain throughout March, before further underground negotiations with Slovenia and Norway in the months of April and May. His journey to the Middle East between April 23rd and 25th marked an important venture, as pointed out by his allies, before a conclusive call with the Palestinian Prime Minister the previous evening.
The acknowledgment news surfaced late on Tuesday evening. The front page of the day’s news highlights the Housing Commission’s demand for all rents to be made public, along with an appeal to government to abolish rent pressure zones.
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Briefing,
The Dáil day begins with topical issues at 9.10am and followed by a Social Democrats motion on dentistry services. At noon, Leaders’ Questions is held, later followed by Questions on Policy or Legislation.
The Taoiseach’s questions are presented at lunchtime, with government affairs concentrating on legislation for auto-enrollment in pensions. Votes on a housing motion will be recorded at 5.45pm.
The Seanad session begins with commencement matters at 10.30am, followed by the order of business, prior to considering the Employment Permits Bill 2022 before lunch. In the post-lunch session, Labour senators will introduce a motion on waste management.
Joe O’Brien is engaging with the Social Protection Committee on the Charities (Amendment) Bill and the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill in committee quarters, scheduled for 9.30am. Simultaneously, Dara Calleary is presenting microenterprise loan legislation to the enterprise committee. The Health Committee is also poised to receive insights from the Irish Medical Organisation about hiring consultants and junior doctors in state-owned hospitals.
Once lunch has concluded, the Transport Committee will interact with ComReg, whereas the Media Committee will probe industry representatives about their support for regional movie and television production.
As sunset approaches, discussions on equality budgeting are being facilitated by the Budgetary Oversight Committee, and discussions on advancing services for children with disabilities are being held by the disability committee.
In a related incident, Tony O’Reilly’s departure is planned for Wednesday evening.
The Energy Ireland conference at Croke Park will feature an appearance by Eamon Ryan in the early hours. At 10am, Darragh O’Brien is invited to a media event, the subject of which remains a mystery.
Additionally, an event celebrating the inception of the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership is set to occur at 9.30am in Shannon Harbour, County Offaly, hosted by Charlie McConalogue, Malcolm Noonan, and Pippa Hackett.