Middle East

Thursday, 16 October 2025

Ceisteanna (138, 143)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

138. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any expenditure incurred by the Department of Foreign Affairs in repatriating or assisting Irish citizens detained by Israeli authorities following recent flotilla activities off Gaza has been recorded as a recoverable advance under the assistance abroad loan scheme or any similar mechanism; if any repayments have been received or written off; the procedures in place within the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that such advances are repaid in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56312/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

143. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a detailed account of any expenditure incurred by his Department in providing consular, logistical, or financial assistance to Irish citizens who were detained or arrested by Israeli authorities following their participation in recent Flotilla activities bound for Gaza; if he will specify whether his Department has borne any costs in relation to flights, accommodation, legal representation, or repatriation; if such costs were advanced under the assistance abroad loan scheme or any similar mechanism; the total amount advanced or expended to date; whether repayment has been sought or received from the individuals concerned; and his views on the policy of his Department regarding the recovery of public funds in cases where Irish citizens voluntarily engage in activities abroad that result in detention or repatriation at the State’s expense. [56311/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 143 together.

Officials in my Department provided consular assistance to the Irish citizens who participated in the recent flotillas bound for Gaza and were subsequently detained by the Israeli authorities. In very exceptional circumstances, such as crisis level events, the Department can facilitate the repatriation of citizens. In this instance, the Department assisted in the arrangements for onward travel when the citizens were released. The department is currently assessing the costs related to the repatriation of Irish citizens in this instance.

Assistance provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to citizens in distress abroad is done in a confidential and non-judgmental manner and built around the needs of the citizen. Further detail on the assistance that can and cannot be provided is available under the Consular Assistance Charter: Consular_Assistance_Charter_2025_V1_bwpeiDR.pdf