Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2012
67 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the Israeli authorities regarding the human rights of Khader Adnan whose hunger strike is at a critical stage. [10453/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I had been very concerned that Mr. Adnan's hunger strike was reaching the point where his health was likely to be seriously endangered. I have answered a number of Parliamentary Questions in the last two weeks in relation to our concerns about this case, and the principle of administrative detention. An Irish diplomatic officer was present at the Israeli Supreme Court to attend Mr. Adnan's appeal on Tuesday, and was able to report instead that an understanding had been reached which led Mr. Adnan to immediately end his hunger strike at that point. Under the agreement, time spent earlier in custody will be allowed against the current detention order, which will therefore expire on 17 April, a month earlier than originally ordered. At that point, unless further evidence against Mr. Adnan has been found, the state has undertaken not to seek a renewal of the detention order.
I welcome this outcome to the case. I will continue to make known my concerns about the use of administrative detention in general.
