Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
226. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the representations the Irish Government made to their British counterparts to ensure the rights of a person (details supplied) are being upheld; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73887/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who is currently detained by the British Government; if so, the representations her Department made in regard to this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74563/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 242 together.
I want to thank the Deputy for raising this question. The provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens is a cornerstone of the work of officials in my Department. Consular assistance is provided in a strictly confidential manner and, as with all cases, my Department does not comment on the details of individual cases. However I can confirm that in this case consular assistance has not been requested by the citizen.
That said, I am keenly aware of the extremely high level of interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the deeply held concerns of the Irish people on this matter. Ireland and the UK maintains regular political engagement on Middle East policy, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ireland welcomed the British Government's decision in September 2025 to formally recognise the State of Palestine and its active engagement in efforts to end the conflict in Gaza.
More broadly, the Government of Ireland remains committed to upholding human rights, including those pertaining to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest, both domestically and internationally. These fundamental rights are enshrined in international human rights instruments to which both Ireland and the United Kingdom are signatories. These are issues that would regularly be discussed as part of overall political dialogue between Ireland and all of its partners, including the UK. Where there are concerns regarding potential breaches of international human rights standards, including those relating to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, or fair trial rights, I would not hesitate to raise these matters through appropriate diplomatic channels with our British counterparts.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to monitor developments in this area, including in respect of any cases involving Irish citizens.
