Ireland will recognise Palestine when 'the circumstances are right', says Varadkar

In a joint statement with the prime ministers of Malta, Slovenia and Spain, the Taoiseach said the countries are ready to recognise Palestinian independence

Leo Varadkar met with his fellow leaders in the margins of a European Council meeting to share views on the situation in Gaza and the Middle East. Picture: Sameer al-Doumy/AFP via Getty Images

Ireland will recognise Palestine as a state when to do so would make a "positive contribution", the Taoiseach has said.

In a joint statement with the prime ministers of Malta, Slovenia and Spain, Leo Varadkar said the countries are ready to recognise Palestinian independence.