Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
48. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned at the treatment of Palestinian academics in the West Bank and Gaza at the hands of the Israeli Defence Force; and his plans to raise this issue with the Israeli ambassador. [19411/16]
View answerWe have from time to time discussed in this house the difficulties experienced by Palestinian universities and colleges, and notably Bethlehem University, arising from the range of restrictions on movement, residence, construction and other areas which are imposed by the Israeli occupation. These can create significant practical obstacles for academics and students, and for the institution itself. There have also been individual cases of academics accused of various activities.
If the Deputy has a particular issue in mind in relation to the treatment specifically of academics she might bring it to the attention of my office and I will be happy to have it looked into in my Department.
