The Dáil was temporarily suspended after protestors in the viewing gallery began protesting and calling for sanctions against Israel.
Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins TD was making a statement about the decision to recognise the Palestinian State when protestors began chanting.
Protestors called on the Government to “stop arming Israel”, “close Shannon to the US military” and introduce sanctions against Israel.
The protestors were then escorted from the gallery by ushers as they received applause from others in the gallery.
Leas-Ceann Comhairle Catherine Connolly briefly suspended proceedings in the Dáil until the protestors were removed.
TDs have been giving statements on Ireland’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine, which came into effect today.
The Palestinian flag was erected at Leinster House to mar the decision by the Irish Government, along with Norway and Spain.
Taoiseach Simon Harris told the Dáil this decision fulfills the Government's plan to recognise Palestine as a part of a goal to reach a two-State solution with Israel.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said, "Much thought, analysis and diplomatic effort has informed the timing and context of this decision".
"Many Palestinians have told me that Ireland’s decision has provided hope at what is a very dark time in Palestine - most obviously in Gaza, but also in the West Bank.," he said.
"It is my firm belief that, in recognising the State of Palestine at this time, the Government has also maximised the impact that this step can make, to translate our hopes and aspirations into reality."
Earlier today, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Abdalmajid said today’s formal recognition has been over a decade in the works and hailed its importance in achieving peace.
“I am personally thrilled with this recognition,” she said.
“There are also mixed feelings because on one side we do have a right to be happy with this and on the other side, my people are suffering a severe massacre.
“But I do want to be happy and I’m proud; this is an important and significant move by Ireland.”
The ambassador said Ireland’s recognition had long been in the works.
