Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 3

Written Answers. - Right to Travel.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

103 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons (details supplied) were recently prevented by the Israeli and Jordanian authorities from travelling to Ireland to read at the Dublin Writers Centre; if he will raise objections to this blatant interference with the right to free cultural exchange with these authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24214/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I am aware that the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign has released a press statement on this matter. However, I have received no representation either from the persons concerned or from the organisers of the event to which these persons were to have been invited. I am also informed that there is no record of either person applying to our local diplomatic missions for a visa to enter the State. I am not, therefore, in a position to comment further at this time.