Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
907. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts that have been made by his Department to assist a person (details supplied) who is an Irish citizen and who is currently being denied exit from Palestine through either the Israeli or Egyptian borders; if he is aware of the person's medical condition; the plans there are to assist the person to return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22114/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that the person referred to by the Deputy is a dual Irish/Canadian citizen who entered Palestine on their Canadian passport. I understand that the individual has sought consular assistance from the Embassy of Canada. The individual concerned has been in consistent contact with the Canadian authorities.
In circumstances where an Irish citizen travels on the passport of another country, my Department remains available to provide consular support. However, the host country is not obliged to recognise our right to do so nor is it obliged to grant Irish officials access to the citizen.
The Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv contacted the person referred to by the Deputy in February this year and informed them of this situation. The Embassy further informed the citizen of the possibility to depart Palestine at the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Israel by following the procedures that were in place for travellers at that time.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has for many years strongly advised Irish citizens against all travel to the Gaza Strip and the areas immediately adjacent to it.
