Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2016
140. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether it is appropriate that the Minister of State with responsibility for training, skills and innovation, who has said that Israel's treatment of Palestinians is appalling and unacceptable and would not be tolerated by any other state in the world, would visit Israel and meet a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35613/16]
View answerThe Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation's visit to Palestine and Israel originated in an invitation from the Palestinian Minister for Education. The objective on this visit was to both demonstrate what Ireland is doing in the fields of education and training, and to observe and learn from what is being done in other countries, and to discuss problems arising and how they are being approached. It was hoped also specifically to offer support to the education and training sector in Palestine, which Ireland is already directly supporting through Irish Aid assistance and capacity building.
It should be noted that this visit to Palestine entailed transit through Israel. It was natural therefore, as well as courteous, to seek also to discuss these areas with relevant Israeli Ministers. I found these meetings useful and interesting. In this regard, no meeting with the Minister to whom the Deputy refers actually took place.
This visit was arranged with the advice and assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and its diplomatic missions on the ground. This advice was clearly in favour of meeting Ministers in both jurisdictions, if possible. Ireland has consistently voiced criticisms of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, but the Government does not consider that this should prohibit mutually beneficial relations with Israel in other spheres. Similar concerns would apply to very many states around the world with whom Ireland has human rights concerns.
Questions relating to Ireland’s relations with Israel, or Israeli Ministers, should be taken up with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
