Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
333. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the discrimination of Palestinian Irish passport holders in Israeli airports and travelling through Israel to Gaza or the difficulties in getting out of Gaza to return to Ireland; the representations he has made on behalf of these Irish passport holders in order to resolve the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32846/21]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance to all Irish citizens overseas where requested, in line with our Consular Assistance Charter.
Irish citizens requiring assistance in the Gaza Strip are advised to contact the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv. Decisions on entry into Israel, including for the purpose of transit to or from the Gaza Strip, are a matter for the Israeli authorities exclusively. I can confirm, however, that our officials provide all possible advice and support to Irish citizens, where requested, and have provided extensive assistance to Irish citizens in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, which has facilitated their travel to Ireland. The assistance provided in any individual case will vary depending on the specific details and requirements of each case.
My officials regularly raise issues relating to the occupation with Israeli authorities. The roots of the problems in the Gaza Strip, including restrictions on travel, are political. I have consistently called for the lifting of the blockade, so that normal life and normal economic activity can resume, and I will continue to make every effort to ensure that the situation in Gaza remains high on the international agenda.
