asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to recent newspaper reports (details supplied), that Israeli military naval personnel spent one week with the British and Irish Steampacket Company at their Dublin jetfoil installation; if his Department was consulted regarding this visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Israeli Military Naval Personnel in Dublin.
16.
I am aware of the reports to which the Deputy refers. My Department received applications for visas for two engineers and two mechanics who were described as employees of the Government of Israel. The stated purpose of their journey to Ireland was for a business visit to the British and Irish Steampacket Company. The applications were cleared in the normal way and the visas were issued. I understand that two other Israelis entered Ireland on seamen's identity cards in the same connection.
My Department was not otherwise consulted. I am advised by the Minister for Defence that his Department was not consulted in regard to the proposed visit.
Can the Minister confirm whether the individuals concerned were members of the Israeli defence forces and were naval personnel as suggested in the question?
They were in fact naval personnel. I have taken steps to ensure that this sort of thing does not happen again. I have been in touch with B & I through the Department of Transport and emphasised that aspect of the matter. A similar direction is going to every Department and State company. I certainly think it is inadvisable that none of the relevant Departments, the Department of Transport, the Department of Defence or the Department of Foreign Affair were notified of this fact by B & I.
Has the Minister made inquiries to ascertain whether this was the only such incident?
I am satisfied that it was the only such incident and as far as lies in my power it will not happen again.
Has the Minister indicated to the Israeli Foreign Affairs Department what would be the outlook here in the event of any further application?
That has been done also.