Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
209. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his immediate plans to protect Irish citizens on a non-violent mission to bring aid to Gaza, given recent Israeli attacks on the flotilla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52114/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by reports of attacks on the Gaza Sumud Flotilla and reiterate that no unlawful or violent act should be taken against those involved. With this in mind, earlier this month I issued a statement alongside 15 other Foreign Ministers to express my concern about the security of the flotilla. Alongside my counterparts, I called on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, and to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
On 24th September, while in New York, I spoke directly with the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and to EU counterparts about collectively raising our concerns in Tel Aviv and consider what can be done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those on board the flotilla.
I also raised the matter publicly in my intervention at the United Nations during the Global Alliance on the Two-State Solution meeting.
I am keenly aware of the number of Irish citizens who are currently involved or have participated, including you Deputy. I fully appreciate that the peaceful efforts of those on board reflect an understandable desire by many people around the world to urgently address the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
While my Department’s travel advice has consistently been to strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of my Department.
In this case, my clear priority, and that of my Department, is to ensure the welfare of Irish citizens. Officials at our Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consular Assistance Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring the situation and will provide consular assistance to Irish citizens as required.
