asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that three Irish trade unionists were forcibly detained in Israel, that allegations were made against one trade unionist which were untrue, that they were prevented from moving freely within Israel; and the action he intends to take directly with the Israeli authorities on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Israeli ICTU Delegation.
11.
My Department were informed on the afternoon of 26 March that a member of an ICTU delegation on a visit to the Middle East had been refused permission to leave Israel that morning. The Department immediately contacted the Israeli Embassy in London and our Ambassador to Israel was instructed to raise the matter with the Israeli authorities. As a result of these demarches the person concerned was permitted to leave Israel the following morning.
The Government have protested to the Israeli authorities about the incident and have indicated their deep concern at the treatment accorded an Irish citizen by the Israeli border authorities. We also sought an explanation. The Israeli authorities have stated that the matter was one of mistaken identity and have apologised through our Ambassador to Israel.