Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
395. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that the Jerusalem offices of the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem were damaged in a fire on 10 January 2016; his views on the general and increased incitement against human rights organisations in Israel, particularly since the new Israeli Government came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/16]
View answerI understand from our contacts with B’Tselem that the fire in their offices is believed to have resulted from an electrical fault. However, Ireland and our EU partners have expressed our concerns about long running efforts by some political elements in Israel to hinder the work of NGOs which are active on justice and human rights issues, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territory. The Foreign Affairs Council yesterday adopted Conclusions on the Middle East which reiterated this concern. It is only fair to recognize however that Israel enjoys a vibrant and highly active civil society, unparalleled in the region, and often deeply critical of official policies, and that other political voices in Israel continue to resist encroachments on this sector.
