asked the Minister for External Affairs if he has investigated reports of the participation by Irish citizens in Arab camps for training people for military action against Israel; if he will withdraw the passports of any citizens so engaged in potentially hostile action against a friendly country or take other action to prevent such undesirable activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Citizens in Middle East.
161.
I have no reliable information to the effect that Irish citizens are involved in training for military action in the Middle East. Our policy in regard to that area is well known and has been frequently stated in the Dáil.
If it comes to the Minister's notice that people are leaving this country to engage in the military service of other countries, will the Minister take steps to withdraw the passports of such people?
The Deputy will appreciate that it is quite difficult in practice to get back a passport but we would not renew the passport of somebody who enlisted in a foreign army. In actual fact, the task of getting back the passport of somebody who is now living in another country is quite difficult.