Middle East

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2022

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Ceisteanna (98)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

98. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention was drawn to the disrespect shown to the Irish flag by the Israeli occupation forces, acting on behalf of the Israeli government, during its raid on the Ramallah offices of a human rights organisation (details supplied); if so, if he conveyed his objections to the Israeli government through diplomatic channels; if his attention was not drawn to this, if he will immediately convey his objections and report back to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58202/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I remain seriously concerned by the designation by Israel of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations, including Irish Aid and EU partner organisations, as terrorist entities, and the raids that were carried out against these organisations by Israeli security forces in August. I am aware of images of an Irish flag which circulated on social media following the raid on the premises of Al Haq on 18 August.

Ireland, along with the eight other EU Member States that provide funding to these organisations, issued a statement on 19 August, labelling these raids as unacceptable, expressing concern at the further reduction of civil space in the oPt, and stressing that Ireland stands firm with NGOs to uphold the right to freedom of expression and association in the oPt.

Following the issuing of this statement, Ireland’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv took part in a meeting with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the EU Delegation and 16 other European states, to express concern regarding these actions.

Ireland has also repeatedly raised this matter in monthly meetings of the UN Security Council, stressing our continued commitment to support for civil society.