Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
126. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on the plans and procedures in place to secure safe return home for Irish citizens currently trapped in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48455/23]
View answerMy Department continues to be in very regular contact with a number of Irish citizens registered with us in Gaza and I am acutely aware of their situation.
Staff in our Embassies in Tel Aviv, Cairo, our Representative Office in Ramallah and Consular Officials in Dublin continue to monitor the situation and the welfare of citizens closely. My officials are in constant communication with the authorities in Egypt and Israel regarding those citizens who remain in Gaza and wish to leave.
We are working on this issue as an urgent priority, coordinating closely with the relevant authorities. We will advise citizens as soon as it is cleared to leave, putting in place arrangements to provide consular assistance once citizens cross into Egypt.
We will remain in constant communication with Irish citizens on the ground, including those with accompanying dependents, and will continue to give verified updates and support to them directly as soon as we have new information.
