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Middle East Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019

Tuesday, 22 October 2019

Ceisteanna (127, 129)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

127. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Israeli Minister of the Interior has stated that they are taking action to force a person (details supplied) out of Israel; if he has raised the case with his Israeli counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43031/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

129. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to renewed attempts by the Israeli Government to deport a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43159/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 129 together.

The person in question is a leading advocate of the movement for boycott, divestment and sanctions, BDS, against Israel, which is intended to pressure Israel into ending the occupation. While the Government does not itself support such a policy, it is a legitimate political viewpoint, albeit one regarded in Israel as deeply hostile.

I do not agree with attempts to demonise those who advocate this policy.

In this case, my officials are not aware of any recent actions taken by the Israeli authorities, however, comments reported in the press suggest that the residency status of the individual to which the Deputy refers may be reviewed. My Department will continue to monitor this case through our Missions in the region.

More broadly, the issue of revocation of residence is one we have raised before with the Israeli authorities. I am deeply concerned about wider attempts to pressure NGOs and human rights defenders through legislation and other means to hinder their important work. We have raised this both at EU level and directly with the Israeli authorities.

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