Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
115. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the case of a person (details supplied) who has refused to take part in the war against the Palestinian people by refusing to serve with the Israel Defence Force. [55077/12]
View answerI am aware of the particular case referred to in the Deputy’s question. I have the fullest understanding and sympathy with anyone who feels moved to declare themselves a conscientious objector, and I believe that it is a mark of the maturity and humanity of a society that it treats such cases with sympathy and respect. However, it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in a question of the requirement in law for citizens of another country to serve in the armed forces. I would obviously expect the members of any armed forces, in whatever country they may be, to comply fully with the requirements of international law and international humanitarian law in the performance of their military duties.
