Thomas Gould
Ceist:4. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to send observer boats to the Global Sumud Flotilla given the presence of 22 Irish citizens. [52272/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 1 October 2025
Ceisteanna (4)
Freagraí scríofa
I remain 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.
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.
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, my clear priority, and that of my Department, is to ensure the welfare of Irish citizens.
We will continue to raise our concerns in that regard through diplomatic channels. While in New York last week, I spoke directly with the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and to EU counterparts about expressing our concerns in Tel Aviv and to 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.
This week, I once again contacted the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas to urge the EU to collectively raise our concerns for the safety and wellbeing of all those on board.
I remain in contact with EU and international partners, including my Spanish counterpart, regarding assistance for Irish citizens affected, should that become necessary.
My officials remain in direct contact with a designated Government point of contact for the Global Movement To Gaza delegation of the GSF and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Please be assured, Deputy, that my Department will provide all possible consular assistance to Irish citizens as required.